Most ovarian cysts, fluid-filled sacs that grow within or on the surface of your ovary, will disappear naturally within a few months. But when a cyst grows large in size or causes symptoms, it’ll most likely need to be surgically removed. Here’s a look at what you can expect with a cystectomy.
Who is a candidate?
Surgery may be recommended if you have a cyst that’s causing symptoms, a large cyst, cysts in both ovaries, or other signs that may be associated with ovarian cancer.
The Procedure
There are two types of surgery that remove ovarian cysts: laparoscopy, for smaller cysts, and laparotomy, for larger cysts. If there’s concern about whether the cyst is cancerous, then a laparotomy is needed—this type of surgery provides the best view of your abdominal and reproductive organs.
Benign (noncancerous) cysts that cause symptoms are removed and the ovary is left intact. Sometimes, however, the ovary or both ovaries need to be removed, especially in cases when cancer is found.
Before Surgery
Your doctor may tell you to stop taking Aspirin, Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), Clopidogrel (Plavix), warfarin (Coumadin), and other blood thinners.
You should discuss with your doctor about any bleeding disorders or other conditions that you may have. If you smoke, stop—it’ll help you recover quicker.
Your doctor may have you do the following in preparation for the procedure:
- Physical exam
- Review of medications
- Urine test
- Blood tests
- CT scan—a type of x-ray that makes pictures of organs
- Ultrasound—a test that examines the abdomen using sound waves
- Electrocardiogram (ECG, EKG)—a test that records the heart's activity by measuring electrical currents through the heart muscle
You’ll most likely be told not to drink or eat anything after midnight the night before your procedure.
When you arrive at the hospital, you should take all the medication given to you by your doctor or a nurse with a sip of water.
After Surgery
General anesthesia is typically used during ovarian cyst surgery. If you have a laparoscopy, you can resume your normal activities within a day. However, you should avoid vigorous activity or exercise for about a week.
If you have a laparotomy, you may need to remain in the hospital for two to four days— and you should be able to resume your normal actives about four to six weeks after surgery.
Don’t resume sexual intercourse until your doctor says it’s okay.
Complications
Complications of a cystectomy include:
- Ovarian cysts recur
- Pain that can’t be controlled
- Scar tissue (adhesions) forms at the surgical site, on the ovaries or fallopian tubes, or in the pelvis
- Infection
- Bowel or bladder damaged during surgery
Risk Factors
The following factors can increase your chance for complications associated with surgery:
- Smoking
- Drinking
- Chronic disease such as diabetes or obesity
- Certain prescription medications
- Pregnancy
- Prior abdominal surgery
