Salpingoo-oophorectomy is surgery to remove the fallopian tube (salpingectomy) and the ovary (oophorectomy). This procedure is usually done together with hysterectomy for a variety of reasons such as: ectopic pregnancy, endometrial carcinoma of the uterus, benign tumors of the ovary (cystadenomas and solid tumors) in women approaching menopause or after menopause, and extensive endometriosis. The procedure: for an uncomplicated procedure, it takes 1 1/2 hours to 2 hours with little chance of blood transfusion. Abdominal approach with phannenstiel (bikini) incisions or midline incisions are often used. Some patients are suitable candidates for laparoscopic approach (with 4 small incisions for the laparoscope and instruments). Material effects, risks and side effects: Infertility if the procedure is performed for both sides or if the procedure is performed on one side and the remaining side is not functional. Removal of the ovaries results in reduction in the level of circulating female hormones and associated side effects. There are also risks associated with anesthesia.