Ovarian Cysts Surgery

Ovarian Cysts Surgery is performed to confirm the diagnosis of an ovarian cyst, remove a cyst that is causing symptoms, and rule out ovarian cancer.

Some facts about Ovarian Cysts Surgery:

• Surgery for an ovarian cyst or growth will be recommended if ovarian growths are present in both ovaries.
• Surgery can also be done for an ovarian cyst that does not get smaller or go away in two to 3 months.
• Ovarian Cysts Surgery will be done if it is found in ultrasound exam that a cyst is not a simple functional cyst.
• Ovarian Cysts Surgery will also be done if you have an ovarian growth and you have never had a menstrual period, have been through menopause, or use birth control pills.
• An ovarian cyst can be removed from an ovary through cystectomy, preserving the ovary and your fertility.
• However, there is a chance of developing a new cyst on the same or opposite ovary after a cystectomy.
• The formation of new cysts can only be completely prevented by removing the ovaries through oophorectomy.

Preparation for Ovarian Cysts Surgery:

• You should make a list of your symptoms, including those that seem unrelated to the reason for the appointment, and when they began, all medications, vitamins and other supplements you take and the doses, your medical history, including menstrual irregularities and questions to ask your doctor before visiting the doctor to discuss.
• A pelvic examination will be done to find the cyst on your ovary.
• Some tests will be recommended to determine its type and whether you need treatment depending on its size and whether it is fluid filled, solid or mixed.
• A corpus luteum cyst can be found by doing a Pregnancy test.
• The presence of a cyst can be confirmed by doing a Pelvic ultrasound test. The test also help identify its location and determine whether it is solid, filled with fluid or mixed.
• CA 125 blood test will be done if  your cyst is partially solid and you are at high risk of ovarian cancer, as cancer antigen 125 (CA 125) often are elevated in women with ovarian cancer.

Procedure for Ovarian Cysts Surgery:

• Anesthesia will be given before the surgical procedure.
• Surgery for Ovarian Cysts can be done by either through a small incision using laparoscopy or through a larger abdominal incision (laparotomy).
• Problems such as ovarian cysts, adhesions, fibroids, and pelvic infection can be diagoned by either type of surgery.
• You may have a laparotomy which gives the best view of the abdominal organs and the female pelvic organs if there is any concern about cancer.
• A noncancerous cyst that is causing symptoms can be removed, leaving the ovary intact during cystectomy.
• The entire ovary or both ovaries will be removed when cancer is found.
• A slim, lighted instrument will be inserted into your abdomen through a small incision by your doctor during Laparoscopy to see your ovaries and remove the ovarian cyst.
• You can wait and be re-examined to see if the cyst goes away within a few months in case you have no symptoms and a simple, small, fluid filled cyst is found in ultrasound.
• Hormonal contraceptives, such as birth control pills, are sometimes given to keep ovarian cysts from recurring. However, birth control pills won't help shrink an existing cyst.
• A cyst that is large, is growing, doesn't look like a functional cyst, continues through two or three menstrual cycles, or causes pain will be removed through surgery.
• Some cysts can be removed without removing the ovary completely. The affected ovary will be removed leaving the other intact in such cases which is known as oophorectomy.
• You might need to have total hysterectomy possibly followed by chemotherapy or radiation if a cystic mass is cancerous. Your uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes will be removed in this case.

Laparoscopy:

• Most cysts can be removed using laparoscopy in which small incisions are made in your tummy and gas is blown into the pelvis to allow the surgeon to access your ovaries.
• A laparoscope is a small, tube shaped microscope with a light attached on its end. It is passed into your abdomen so that the surgeon can see your internal organs andn removes the cyst through the small incisions in your skin.
• The incisions will be closed using dissolvable stitches after removing the cyst.
• Laparoscopy is preferred over Laparotomy as it causes less pain and has a quicker recovery time. Most of the people who undergo laparoscopy will be able to go home on the same day or the following day.

Laparotomy:

• A laparotomy may be recommended if your cyst is particularly large, or there is a chance that it could be cancerous.
• A single, larger cut is made in your tummy during a laparotomy to give the surgeon better access to the cyst.
• The cyst and ovary may be removed and sent to a laboratory to check if it is cancerous. Stitches or staples will be used to close the incision after removing the cyst and ovary.
• You have to stay in hospital for a few days after the procedure.

Recovery from Ovarian Cysts Surgery:

• The recovery time is different for everyone.
• You will feel pain in your tummy after the ovarian cyst has been removed. However, this should improve in a few days.
• You can resume normal activities within a day after a laparoscopy. But strenuous activity or exercise  should be avoided for about a week.
• You may stay in the hospital from two to 4 days and return to your usual activities in 4 to 6 weeks after a laparotomy.
• The results should come in a few weeks if the cyst is sent off for testing. Your consultant will discuss with you whether you need any further treatment after getting the result.
• You should contact your doctor if you notice heavy bleeding , severe pain or swelling in your abdomen, a high temperature or dark or smelly vaginal discharge during your recovery as these symptoms may indicate an infection.