Ovarian cyst removal is usually recommended when cysts are large, solid, shaped in irregular forms, suspected of being cancerous, twisted, ruptured, or causing severe pain. Older patients with ovarian cysts are more likely to need to have them removed since the likelihood of having a cancerous cyst increases with age.
Prior to undertaking an ovarian cyst removal procedure, a through physical examination of the patient is conducted. The doctor will review the patient’s 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.
In order to remove an ovarian cyst, a doctor may choose to perform either laparoscopic surgery or open surgery, depending on the type of ovarian cyst that is removed. It is common to perform open surgery on larger cysts.
Laparoscopic surgery involves a thin tube called a laparoscope being inserted through a small incision in the lower abdomen. The tube helps to locate an ovarian cyst and with that information, the surgeon can take steps to remove it.
Large ovarian cysts are usually removed through surgery under general anesthesia. Post-operative experience usually includes some abdominal pain. Other complications like bleeeding and infection may also be experienced. In a few rare cases, removal may cause infertility and blood clots. There is also a chance that a new cyst will still develop after ovarian cyst removal surgery.
If ovarian cancer is not detected during the surgery, it is highly unlikely that the patient will suffer any complications. Full recovery is expected within weeks after the 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 an ovarian cyst has been removed, inform your doctor of any conditions such as excessive pain or bleeding, fever or chills, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, abdominal swelling, or any other unusual symptoms. Like any other surgery, ovarian cyst removal requires recovery time and monitoring for any complications.