Oophorectomy or ovariectomy is the surgical removal of one or both of the ovaries. It may be performed to remove cysts or malignant tumors (ovarian cancer) or some other disease, or as part of the more invasive hysterectomy. Ovariotomy, literally, is an incision in the uterus, and so is not strictly analogous to an oopherectomy.

O`o*pho*rec"to*my (?), n. [Gr. egg + to bear + a cutting out.] Surg.

Ovariotomy.

© Webster 1913.