What Is an Ovarian Cyst and When Does It Need to Be Removed?
An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled growth that forms on or inside the ovary. Most cysts are functional, meaning they arise during ovulation and resolve on their own within one or two menstrual cycles. However, some require medical monitoring or surgical treatment.
Ovarian cyst removal is recommended in the following cases:
- the growth is larger than 6–7 centimeters;
- the cyst causes pain or discomfort;
- the growth does not shrink over several menstrual cycles;
- there are signs requiring exclusion of a malignant process;
- there is a risk of ovarian torsion or cyst rupture.
A doctor at Helyos Medical Center decides on surgery taking into account the size and nature of the growth, the existing indications, the patient's age, and her reproductive plans. In most cases, surgical removal of an ovarian cyst preserves the healthy tissue of the organ and its function.
Medical fact: according to the Cleveland Clinic, laparoscopy is the standard of surgical treatment for benign ovarian cysts. This approach allows the growth to be removed with minimal impact on surrounding tissue.
Method of Ovarian Cyst Removal: Laparoscopy
Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure in which the operation is performed through small incisions in the abdominal wall without a wide incision. This is the approach used at Helyos Medical Center.
Compared to open surgery, laparoscopy is associated with less pain after the surgical procedure and provides a shorter hospital stay and a faster return to normal life. During the procedure, the surgeon aims to preserve as much healthy ovarian tissue as possible. This directly affects the reproductive function of the patient.
Stages of Ovarian Cyst Removal Surgery
The first stage is a preoperative work-up. It includes a pelvic ultrasound, laboratory tests, and a consultation with an anesthesiologist. If necessary, the condition of the fallopian tubes and other reproductive organs is also assessed.
Laparoscopic ovarian cyst removal is performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon accesses the ovary through small incisions in the abdominal wall, carefully isolates and removes the cyst while preserving healthy ovarian tissue. On the day of surgery, the patient is monitored by medical staff. In the absence of complications, discharge occurs after 1–3 days.
The doctor discusses the cost of the operation during the consultation. The price of ovarian cyst removal depends on the size and nature of the growth, the method of anesthesia, and the length of the hospital stay.
Recovery After Ovarian Cyst Removal
The recovery period after laparoscopic ovarian cyst removal surgery usually takes 2–4 weeks. During this time, it is recommended to:
- limit physical activity;
- follow a gentle diet in the first days after surgery;
- take the prescribed medications;
- abstain from sexual activity for the period determined by the doctor;
- attend scheduled follow-up examinations.
After surgery, the patient is monitored by a gynecologist. A follow-up ultrasound is performed to confirm complete removal of the growth and assess the condition of the ovary.
Important! Complications after laparoscopic ovarian cyst removal are rare. If severe pain, fever, or heavy discharge occur, you should see a doctor.
If you are experiencing lower abdominal pain, or an ovarian cyst was found during a routine examination, get a consultation with a gynecologist at Helyos Medical Center. The doctor will perform an examination, order the necessary diagnostic tests, and confirm the price of the operation. You can book an appointment by calling 067 000 01 50.
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Preparation includes a pelvic ultrasound, laboratory blood tests, and a consultation with an anesthesiologist. A light diet is recommended a few days before the surgical procedure. The last meal is allowed 8–12 hours before the operation. If the patient takes medications on an ongoing basis, the doctor determines in advance which of them need to be temporarily discontinued. Detailed preparation instructions are given by the doctor at Helyos Medical Center during the preoperative consultation.
After laparoscopy, the patient stays in the hospital for 1–2 days. Full recovery takes an average of 2–4 weeks. During this time, it is recommended to limit physical activity and follow the doctor's recommendations. Most women return to their usual life within 2 weeks after surgery.
Yes, and removing the cyst can sometimes even improve reproductive function, especially if the growth was disrupting ovulation or distorting pelvic anatomy. According to research, pregnancy after laparoscopic ovarian cyst removal in women under 35 with good ovarian reserve occurs in most cases within 6–12 months. Doctors recommend waiting 2–3 menstrual cycles after surgery before trying to conceive. The question of how the operation affects fertility is worth discussing with a gynecologist at Helyos Medical Center during a consultation.
