Ovarian remnant syndrome

Ovarian Remnant Syndrome

Ovarian Remnant Syndrome (ORS) is a medical condition that occurs when ovarian tissue remains in the pelvic cavity after a oophorectomy, which is the surgical removal of one or both ovaries. This remnant tissue can become functional and cause symptoms similar to those experienced before the surgery.

Causes

ORS typically arises due to incomplete removal of ovarian tissue during surgery. This can happen due to:

• Dense pelvic adhesions that obscure the surgeon's view.
• Endometriosis, which can make the ovarian tissue more difficult to distinguish and remove completely.
• Technical challenges during the surgery.

Symptoms

The symptoms of ORS can vary but often include:

• Pelvic pain or discomfort.
• Dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation).
• Dyspareunia (painful intercourse).
• Presence of ovarian cysts.
• Hormonal symptoms such as hot flashes and mood swings.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing ORS can be challenging and typically involves:

• Patient history and symptom review.
• Pelvic examination.
• Imaging studies such as ultrasound or MRI to detect residual ovarian tissue.
• Hormonal blood tests to measure levels of estrogen and other ovarian hormones.

Treatment

Treatment options for ORS may include:

• Medical management with hormonal therapy to suppress ovarian function.
• Surgical intervention to remove the remaining ovarian tissue, which may involve laparoscopy or laparotomy.

Prognosis

The prognosis for ORS varies depending on the extent of the remaining ovarian tissue and the success of subsequent treatments. Many patients experience relief from symptoms following appropriate management.

Related Pages

• Oophorectomy
• Pelvic adhesions
• Endometriosis
• Dysmenorrhea
• Dyspareunia
• Hormonal therapy
• Laparoscopy
• Laparotomy

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