What is an ovarian cyst removal surgery?

When is an ovarian cyst removal required?

The symptoms of an ovarian cyst could be symptomatic or asymptomatic. An ovarian cyst removal surgery is necessary if:

• The patient is experiencing severe pain due to the cyst
• The cyst is suspected of being cancerous
• The cyst is more than 2.5 inches in diameter and is persistent
• The patient develops severe pelvic infections

What is the procedure for removing an ovarian cyst?

There are two types of ovarian removal surgeries, and they are as follows:

Laparoscopy:Laparoscopy is a type of keyhole surgery used to remove small cysts. The procedure is much easier to perform on ovaries. It involves making small incisions (2 or 3) on the patient's stomach (one below the belly button and one each on the lower sides), and gas is blown into the pelvis for better access to the ovaries.

A laparoscope (a tube-like telescopic camera) is then inserted through the cuts into the patient's abdomen to examine the ovaries and cyst. The cyst is removed through the small incisions or cuts made and are closed using dissolvable stitches. The recovery time from laparoscopic surgery is lesser as the incisions made are smaller in size.

Laparotomy:Open surgery or laparotomy is preferred by gynecologists if the cyst is large or if it is cancerous. Laparotomy is performed to diagnose abdominal pain and if the surgeon cannot determine the location to do the laparoscopic procedure. At times, gynecologists take up open surgery during laparoscopy to remove the cyst safely.

During a laparotomy, a large incision is made on the patient's stomach for better access to the cyst and surrounding tissue. The cyst or the ovary is then sent to the laboratory to determine whether it's cancerous or not. Under certain circumstances, the entire ovary has to be removed.

The recovery time for laparotomy is longer compared to laparoscopy.

Note: General anesthesia is used in both procedures.

What are the possible risk factors involved in an ovarian cyst removal?

The risks involved in an ovarian cyst removal are usually minimal. Some of the possible complications include:

• Excess bleeding
• Wheezing or sore throat due to anesthesia
• Recurrence of cysts
• Damage to surrounding organs
• Blood clots
• Infertility

Furthermore, patients may experience some or all of the below side effects post-surgery:

• Vaginal bleeding
• Pain or discomfort in the lower tummy
• Fatigue
• Pain in the shoulders

What can you expect during post-surgical care for ovarian cyst removal?

Patients are advised to reduce or avoid smoking or consumption of alcohol prior to the surgery to avoid any complications. If the patient has undergone any previous abdominal surgery or suffers from diabetes, obesity or any other chronic diseases, the same has to be informed to the surgeon before the surgery. In addition, patients should also discuss the following matters with their surgeon or gynecologist:

• Any allergies
• Food and beverages to be avoided prior to the surgery and post-surgery
• Intake of any medication, including vitamins and supplements

The surgery takes 1-2 hours, and patients may suffer slight pain post-surgery and are given pain medications. The following steps can be undertaken to avoid the risks of infection:

• Wash hands often
• Avoid touching the incisions
• Avoid sexual intercourse
• Limited physical activities

Complete recovery after a laparotomy will take up to six weeks and up to two weeks for laparoscopic surgery.