Laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy is a surgical procedure that is used to remove one or more cysts from the ovary using laparoscopy with small incisions in the lower abdomen. It is a type of keyhole surgery that is easier to perform on the ovaries than laparotomy and has a faster recovery time.
Ovarian cysts are highly common amongst women due to the pelvic masses and are sometimes harmless and cause no symptoms. However, if the patients experience severe abdominal pain or discomfort, the surgeon might suggest removing the cyst. Laparoscopy is also used to diagnose ovarian cysts, pelvic infections, adhesions, and fibroids. Laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy is adopted if the cysts are small in size and are non-cancerous.
Laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy is an efficient method of surgery to preserve ovarian tissue with minimal blood loss. It is preferred when and if the patients are experiencing the following:
Severe abdominal pain
Pelvic pain
The cyst developed due to ovulation
The cyst is smaller in size
The cyst is non-cancerous
The cyst is persistent
In laparoscopic surgery, the ovary is left intact and is the preferred surgical procedure for reproductive age patients as the patient's fertility is preserved. However, if the cyst is excessively large or cancerous, a laparotomy (open surgery) may be performed instead.
Laparoscopy or laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy is used to diagnose and remove ovarian cysts using specialized tools. It is less invasive and easier to be performed on ovaries. The procedure is performed in the following manner:
The patient is given general anesthesia
The abdomen is inflated with carbon dioxide gas by the surgeon to separate the abdominal wall and organs for a better view
A small incision is made below the navel to insert the laparoscope into the abdomen
Additional incisions are made (2 or 3) on the sides of the lower abdomen and/or at the pubic bone
The camera on the laparoscope will provide a live video feed on the screen to the surgeon to examine the cyst and ovary
The examination is performed using surgical tools passed through the incisions
The cyst is removed through the incisions without causing any damage to the ovary or fallopian tubes to preserve the fertility
The incisions are then stitched back using dissolvable stitches, and the patient is advised to take ample rest
Laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy has minimal risks. However, patients may experience discomfort or pain at the incisions and other severe risks such as:
Recurrence of cysts
Side-effects caused due to anesthesia
Nerve damage
Blood clot
Vaginal bleeding
Fatigue
Infection
Allergies
Injury to the fallopian tubes or ovary
Injury to surrounding organs
Note: Severe injury to the fallopian tubes (tubes connecting ovary to the uterus) or ovary may result in its removal. Women who have had previous abdominal surgery, overweight or have any pelvic adhesions may face many complications. Patients must discuss the risks involved in the surgery with the surgeon before proceeding with the same.
The surgery might take upto 2 hours and has a faster recovery time. Patients can stay overnight in the hospital if they wish to but it's not necessary in most cases, and they can return to their normal activities within a day. However, the following must be taken care of to avoid any post-procedure complications:
Avoid strenuous activities for upto a week
To avoid infections, wash hands often
Avoid touching the incisions
Take up walking and other physical activities gradually
Avoid sexual intercourse
Take pain medication when needed
Avoid consumption of alcohol
Avoid smoking
Patients recover within 1-2 weeks after a laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy and can resume their usual activities.
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Established By Dr Prathap C Reddy In 1983, Apollo Healthcare Has A Robust Presence Across The Healthcare Ecosystem