Ovarian Cyst Removal – Symptoms, Surgery And Recovery

whenever an ovarian cyst is causing intense pain, is ruptured or twisted, large, solid, irregularly shaped, or suspected of being cancerous, removal of the cyst is recommended if not essential. Indeed, the chances of a cyst being cancerous will increase as patients get older. So the older you are the more chances are that you will require ovarian cyst removal.

Prior to undergoing an ovarian cyst removal procedure, a thorough physical examination is needed. Your doctor will review your current current medications, order routine tests of blood and urine, as well as request that  X-rays and CT scan of the abdomen be done to confirm the diagnosis.

A surgeon will opt for either a laparoscopic surgery or an open surgery to remove the cyst. This generally depends on the state of the cyst and the views of the patient. However in some cases, where the cyst is large, there may not be an option and open surgery is needed.

In laparoscopic surgery, a slim tube called a laparoscope is introduced into the patient’s body by making a small incision in  the lower abdomen. It is very helpful in locating the ovarian cyst as well as to guide its removal.

For large ovarian cyst removal, surgery under general anesthesia may be needed. Patients may experience some pain in the abdomen after surgery. They also may experience such complications as infection or bleeding. It is important to understand that recurrence of ovarian cysts is possible. In a few rare cases, the patient may also experience infertility and blood clots.

Provided ovarian cancer is not detected during the surgery, it is a good chance that the patient will have no further complications. They should make a full recovery within a couple of weeks after surgery. On the other hand, if ovarian cancer is detected, then the patient may have to have one or both ovaries removed either during the surgery or in another surgery. Treatment of ovarian cancer would need to follow.

After the removal of an ovarian cyst, it is important to notify your doctor if you have a fever or chills, excessive pain or bleeding, shortness of breath, headaches, muscle aches, nausea, abdominal swelling, vomiting, or any other signs of ill health. An ovarian cyst removal, like all other surgeries, must be closely monitored post-surgery but in all likelihood will have no further complications.