The BSO medical abbreviation stands for bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, an operation that removes both fallopian tubes and both ovaries. It is a gynecologic surgery and is often done together with a hysterectomy, which removes the uterus.
BSO shows up in operative reports, surgical history lists, pathology reports and pre surgery consent forms. The most familiar pairing is TAH BSO, total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. This page breaks the long name into its word parts, shows how it appears in records and lists the related terms.
At a glance
Stands for
Bilateral salpingo-oophorectomyWord roots
Salping/o (tube), oophor/o (ovary), ectomy (removal)Specialty
Gynecology and gynecologic oncologyOften paired with
TAH, TLH or other hysterectomy termsOne side only
RSO (right), LSO (left), USO (unilateral)Where you see it
Operative notes, surgical history, pathology reports
Breaking down the BSO medical abbreviation
The name is built from parts that students meet early in terminology courses. Bilateral means both sides. Salpingo traces back to a Greek word meaning tube or trumpet and refers to the fallopian tube. Oophor refers to the ovary, and ectomy means surgical removal. Put together: removal of the tube and ovary on both sides.
The hyphen in salpingo-oophorectomy simply joins the two organ names. In speech, staff usually just say B-S-O.
TAH BSO and other combinations
BSO is frequently listed with the hysterectomy type, so the whole phrase tells you which organs were removed and how.
| Written as | Meaning |
|---|---|
| TAH BSO | Total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, through an abdominal incision |
| TLH BSO | Total laparoscopic hysterectomy with BSO, through small keyhole cuts |
| TVH BSO | Total vaginal hysterectomy with BSO |
| RSO or LSO | Removal of the right or left tube and ovary only |
| BS | Bilateral salpingectomy, removal of the tubes only, ovaries kept |
On a surgical history list: "TAH BSO for fibroids, uncomplicated." The patient had the uterus, both tubes and both ovaries removed through the abdomen because of fibroids, without complications. This illustrates the format only.
Why a BSO may be done
Reasons vary widely. A BSO may be part of treatment for ovarian, uterine or other gynecologic cancers. It may be done to lower future cancer risk in people with certain inherited gene changes. It may also be chosen for conditions such as endometriosis, large or recurrent ovarian cysts or pelvic infection when other options have not helped.
Removing both ovaries before natural menopause brings on menopause right away, often called surgical menopause, because the ovaries make most of the body's estrogen. This is one reason surgeons and patients discuss the choice carefully beforehand.
These are general facts about the operation. Whether it is right for someone, and what to expect afterward, is a conversation for that person and their gynecologic surgeon.
Reading pathology and operative reports
After surgery, the removed tissue goes to the lab. A pathology report may list "right ovary and fallopian tube" and "left ovary and fallopian tube" as separate specimens, each with its own findings. The operative note records the approach, any findings in the pelvis and the estimated blood loss. A history entry may also add S/P, as in "s/p TAH BSO," meaning the surgery happened in the past.
For coding and scribe students
Coders need to know whether one side or both were removed, since that changes the procedure code. Watch for laterality words and for whether the uterus was removed too. Scribes should copy the exact procedure name from the operative report rather than shortening it on their own. For more procedure shorthand, the surgical abbreviations list is a good next stop, and the medical suffixes guide explains endings like ectomy and otomy.
Frequently asked questions
What does TAH BSO mean?
TAH BSO means total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. The uterus, cervix, both fallopian tubes and both ovaries are removed through an incision in the abdomen.
Does a BSO cause menopause?
If both ovaries are removed before natural menopause, menopause begins right after surgery. The care team usually discusses symptoms and options before the operation.
What is the difference between BSO and BS?
BSO removes both tubes and both ovaries. BS, or bilateral salpingectomy, removes only the tubes and leaves the ovaries in place.
What does RSO mean in a surgical note?
RSO means right salpingo-oophorectomy, removal of the right tube and ovary only. LSO is the same on the left side.