Ovarian Cyst Removal

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.

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Symptoms: The symptoms of ovarian cyst may include:

  • Irregular menstruation
  • Painful menstruation
  • Pain in the pelvis
  • Dyspareunia (pain after sex)
  • Difficulty in passing bowels or frequent need to pass bowels
  • Need to urinate frequently or difficulty in emptying the bladder
  • Bloating, heaviness, or swelling in the abdomen
  • Hormonal abnormalities
  • Nausea
  • Breast tenderness

Purpose: An ovarian cyst removal surgery is recommended in the following cases:

  • To relieve the symptoms of abdominal pain and discomfort
  • For treating menstrual irregularity
  • To send the cyst to the laboratory for investigation
  • To prevent the cyst from becoming bigger in size
  • Preventing the cyst from turning into a tumor
  • Prevention of torsion or twisting of the ovary 
  • Preventing rupture of the cyst that may lead to internal bleeding
  • Preventing the cyst from getting infected
  • To stop any tumor that may be present from spreading to the other organs
  1. Pelvic exam: An ovarian cyst may be detected during a pelvic examination, in which a doctor inserts one or two lubricated, gloved fingers into the patient’s vagina to check a woman’s internal reproductive organs.
  2. Ultrasound: Sound waves are used to determine the location, size, shape, and composition of a cyst.
  3. CT scans and MRI scans: These are imaging tests done to obtain clear images of the internal female reproductive organs.
  4. Pregnancy test: This test is essential to rule out pregnancy.
  5. CA-125 blood test: Cancer antigen 125 (CA 125) is a protein whose level in blood is elevated in cases of endometriosis, ovarian cancer, pelvic inflammatory disease (infection of the female reproductive organs), and uterine fibroids (non-cancerous growths in the uterus). 

 

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:

  • Infection
  • Bleeding
  • Blood clot formation
  • Allergic reaction to anesthesia
  • Recurrence of cyst after removal
  • Damage to the other organs
  • Need to remove one or both the ovaries
  • Infertility
  • Most patients are able to go home on the same day of the procedure.
  • In certain cases, an overnight stay in the hospital may be required.
  • It is normal to have soreness around the surgical site for one or two days after the procedure.
  • The procedure has a quick recovery and the patient usually feels much better after a few days of surgery.
  • Based on the energy level of the patient, walking is recommended.
  • Avoid heavy lifting for the first few weeks after the procedure.
  • Avoid sexual intercourse till your doctor permits you for the same.
  • Complete healing may take about four to six weeks.

 

Ovarian Cyst Removal from one of the best multi-speciality hospital: MEDICOVER MULTI-SPECIALITY HOSPITAL - AURANGABAD, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, Aurangabad