Surgical treatment of ovarian dysfunctions

I have presented five cases of ovarian hypofunction, with ovarian pain, all of whom were benefited by excision of one or both ovarian cortices. Another case, of hyperfunction with pain has apparently been relieved functionally and subjectively by excision of part of each ovary, combined with almost complete decortization. Surgical treatment of ovarian dysfunction should have a very limited field of usefulness, but it is my opinion that there is a place for it if we are to utilize all the facilities at our command. Many of these patients become actually psychic, due to almost constant pain, and with their inordinate fear of the consequences of abnormal sex functions. Partial decortization alone appears to be beneficial in relieving ovarian hypofunction, and pain. Excision of a segment of ovarian parenchyma, usually without decortization, may be beneficial in some obstinate cases, in dealing with hyperfunction. A combination of the procedures might be undertaken if ovarian pain accompanies hyperfunction. I realize that the cases presented are not complete from the standpoint of an endocrinologist, and his criticism might be that they were not adequately treated from a medical standpoint. Furthermore the number of cases is too small to warrant definite conclusions. However, I present them for your discussion and judgment.