About Ovarian Cyst Removal
This information is intended for general information only and should not be considered as medical advice on the part of Health-Tourism.com. Any decision on medical treatments, after-care or recovery should be done solely upon proper consultation and advice of a qualified physician.
What is Ovarian Cyst Removal?
Ovarian cyst removal is a medical procedure for removing cysts that are formed in the ovaries.
Most ovarian cysts disappear without treatment. Some cysts in the ovaries may be treated with medication using birth control pills. This stops ovulation which stops new cysts from developing.
Ovarian cysts that do not disappear on their own or those that are 5 to 10 centimeters in size may be removed by surgery to ensure that the cyst is not cancerous. Surgery may also be needed if some patients who are menopausal. Surgery to remove an ovarian cyst may be done by a Cystectomy without removing the ovary. If cancer is found, the ovaries may be removed by performing an Oophorectomy.
How is Ovarian Cyst Removal Surgery Performed?
Surgery to remove ovarian cysts may be performed either by laparotomy or by a laparoscopic method.
- Laparotomy: Laparotomy or open surgery is done if the ovarian cyst is very large and in cases of cancer. A large incision is made in the patient’s abdomen during laparotomy that enables the surgeon to view and examine the area closely. The blood vessels are clamped and the cyst is removed. If the cyst is ruptured, the deposits from the cysts are extracted from the abdomen. A biopsy will be performed on the removed cyst.
- Laparoscopy: Laparoscopy is used to remove ovarian cysts in a less invasive way. Laparoscopic surgery involves the use of a laparoscope that is inserted through a small incision below the navel. A laparoscope is an endoscopic tube with a camera and light attached to it. Other tiny incisions are also made through which surgical instruments are inserted to remove the ovarian cyst.
How to Prepare for Ovarian Cyst Removal?
- The patient is required to do some tests, and will be physically examined by the doctor.
- The patient may be required to stop taking certain medication a week before the surgery.
- The doctor should be informed about any ailment or medical conditions of the patient.
Duration of procedure/surgery : 1 to 4 hours
Days admitted : 1 to 5 days
Anesthesia : General Anesthesia
Recovery : - Recovery is faster in the case of laparoscopy and patients can resume normal activities in a day or two. After a laparotomy, the patient can return to normal activities in 4 to 6 weeks.
- The patient will feel some pain and discomfort after the surgery. Antibiotics may be provided to prevent an infection and pain medication will be prescribed.
- Vaginal bleeding may occur after the surgery.
- The patient may experience bloating and cramping.
Risks : - Infection
- Bleeding
- Injury to the bowel or bladder
- Clotting
- Adverse effects of anesthesia
- Uncontrolled pain
- Recurrence of cysts after the surgery
After care : - Patients should avoid strenuous activities after the surgery.
- The patient should follow the doctor’s instructions carefully.
- The incision area should be dressed properly to prevent an infection.
The doctor should be informed if the following symptoms occur:
- Fever and chills
- Severe vaginal bleeding or discharge
- Severe pain that is not controlled by medicines
- Nausea and vomiting
- Infection, swelling and bleeding from the incision area
- Urinating difficulty
- Leg pain, swelling or redness
- Coughing
- Chest pain and breathing difficulty
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