Four years ago I had a large ovarian cyst that required surgery. When all was over my ob-gyn told me he removed the cyst, ovary & tube and that my left ovary would take over the function for both. I recently changed doctors and during my exam, the new doctor told me it felt as though I did still have a right ovary. After having an ultrasound, it appeared I do still have a small right ovary. The surgeon's report says he removed a cyst and left the ovary in tact and the pathology report says they examined an ovarian cyst and a complete right ovary. My bill from the surgery says I had a salpingo-oophorectomy-complete. My new doctor says he may have left a partial ovary and for insurance billing it doesn't matter if it's partial or complete. My concern is the pathology report says they examined an ovary - if I still havethe ovary, could there have been a problem with the samples? Do partial ovaries function? Does it sound like something that needs to be questioned more? Thanks for any input.
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If the Ultrasound shows actually some ovarian tissue ( it could be that is showing some scars from the previous operation), then it is possible that a small part of the right ovary might have been left behind and what you had was a "partial" ovarian removal rather than a "total" If the cyst is benign it might not matter much, and a small remnant of ovary can retain some function.It is important that in the future you should mention to whoever health professional you are seen that you may still have part of the right ovary, so if something develops,like a cyst, they should take that fact into consideration . I hope this answers your question.
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Sincerely
Ed Kneler, MD
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