Salpingo-oophorectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of one or both ovaries and their associated fallopian tubes. This operation is often performed to treat conditions such as ovarian cysts, endometriosis, or ovarian cancer. The procedure can be done through traditional open surgery or minimally invasive techniques, such as laparoscopy. Recovery time varies, but patients may experience hormonal changes if both ovaries are removed, as they produce important hormones like estrogen and progesterone.