The ovaries are two small glands that form part of the female reproductive system, which is also made up of the vagina, cervix, uterus (womb) and Fallopian tubes.
The surgical removal of an ovary is called an oophorectomy. When both ovaries are taken out during surgery this is called a bilateral-oophorectomy.
The operation to remove an ovary and Fallopian tube is called a salpingo-oophorectomy. A bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO) is when both ovaries and Fallopian tubes are taken out.
A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus (womb). During a total hysterectomy, the womb and cervix are removed.
A total hysterectomy with a bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy is an operation to remove the womb, cervix, Fallopian tubes and ovaries.
During a radical hysterectomy with a salpingo-oophorectomy, the womb, cervix and part of your vagina are removed, as well as your ovaries, Fallopian tubes, lymph nodes and some fatty tissue.