Ovarian cyst removal surgery is a procedure performed for the removal of a cyst or multiple cysts from one or both ovaries of a woman.
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled pockets or sacs present in an ovary or the surface of the ovary.
An ovary is an organ found in the female reproductive system that produces an egg or ovum. There is one ovary present on either side of the womb or uterus of a woman.
An ovarian cyst is commonly seen in women of reproductive age. It is usually painless and gets treated on its own. However, ovarian cysts that become bigger or rupture can lead to serious problems and requires removal.
Types:
The different types of ovarian cysts are:
1. Functional ovarian cysts: These types of cysts are associated with the menstrual cycle of a woman and may include the following types:
2. Follicular cysts: During the menstrual cycle, an egg grows inside a sac, known as a follicle, which is located inside the ovaries. The follicle breaks open to release an egg normally. But if the follicle does not break open the fluid inside the follicle can lead to a follicular cyst formation.
3. Corpus luteum cysts: The follicle normally dissolves after releasing an egg. But if the follicle does not dissolve and the follicle opening seals, additional fluid gets accumulated inside the sac to form a corpus luteum cyst.
4. Non-functional ovarian cysts: These types of cysts are not associated with the menstrual cycle of a woman and may include the following types:
5. Dermoid cysts: These are sac-like growths in the ovaries containing hair, fat, and other tissue.
6. Endometriomas: In this condition, the tissues normally growing inside the uterus start developing outside the uterus and attach to the ovaries, resulting in the formation of a cyst.
7. Cystadenomas: These are non-cancerous growths that develop on the outer surface of the ovaries.
8. Multiple small cysts: In a condition known as polycystic ovary syndrome, the ovaries may contain many small cysts. This can lead to the enlargement of the ovaries. These cysts can lead to infertility if left untreated.
Causes and risk factors:
Some of the following causes may increase the risk of developing ovarian cyst:
Symptoms: The symptoms of ovarian cyst may include:
Purpose: An ovarian cyst removal surgery is recommended in the following cases:
Many ovarian cysts go away on their own. However, in the case of recurrent ovarian cysts, the doctor may prescribe oral contraceptives or birth control pills to stop ovulation and prevent new cysts from developing. These medications also reduce the chances of ovarian cancer development. In the case of an ovarian cyst that does not go away on its own or grows larger in size, the following ovarian cyst removal surgeries may be recommended:
1. Laparoscopy:
In the case of a small cyst that may have accidentally been diagnosed while checking for ovarian cancer, the doctor may perform a laparoscopy to remove the cyst surgically.
The surgeon makes a small incision near the navel.
A small device with a camera on one end, known as a laparoscope, is inserted through this incision.
The laparoscope helps the surgeon in viewing the reproductive organs and pelvic cavity.
A small instrument is then inserted into the abdomen to remove the cyst.
2. Laparotomy:
In the case of a large cyst, the doctor can remove the cyst surgically by making a large incision in the abdomen.
An immediate biopsy may be performed, where the excised tissue is sent to the laboratory to check if the cyst is cancerous.
If the cyst is found to be cancerous, the surgeon may do a hysterectomy for the removal of the woman’s uterus and ovaries.
The risks associated with an ovarian cyst removal surgery include: