Ovarian Cyst Removal—Laparoscopic Surgery
Laparoscopic ovarian cyst removal is the procedure to remove a cyst(s) from one or both ovaries. The surgeon uses small incisions and specialized surgical instruments during laparoscopy. The recovery is quicker than open surgery.
In pediatric patients, adolescents, and patients of reproductive age, laparoscopic cystectomy is the preferred surgical technique since it protects the ovary and fertility.
Symptoms of an ovarian cyst:
- Pain in the pelvis region, which can be mild, moderate or severe
- Painful intercourse
- Problems in emptying the bowels
- Increased frequency of urination
- Heavy bleeding during the menses, irregular menses
- Bloating
Reasons for Procedure
In the following conditions, an ovarian cyst needs to excised:
- The chances are better in young with suspicion of development of cancer
- With a diameter of more than 2.5 inches, it’s a wide one.
- It is solid, rather than only containing fluid.
- Causing annoyance
Possible Complications
While complications are unlikely, no procedure is entirely risk-free. Your doctor will go through a list of potential side effects, which could include:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Recurrence of cyst after excision
- Need for removal of one or both ovaries
- Infertility
- Blood clots
- Damage to other organs
Speak to your doctor before your operation about how to handle factors that can raise your risk of complications, such as:
- Smoking
- Drinking
- Chronic diseases such as diabetes or obesity
- The use of certain prescription medications
Following factors exacerbate the complications:
- Pregnancy
- Prior abdominal surgery
What to Expect
Prior to Procedure
Your doctor may do the following:
- Physical exam
- Review of medications
- Blood tests
- Urine test
- CT scan – a form of x-ray that takes pictures of organs using a device.
- Ultrasound– a procedure that explores the abdomen using sound waves.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG, EKG)—a test that monitors electrical currents in the heart muscle to record the heart’s operation.
If a diagnosis of carcinoma/cancer is made during surgery, address the next measures. One choice is to have the ovary removed.
Leading up to the surgery:
- Discuss your drugs with your doctor. Since blood-thinning medications may cause bleeding during surgery, the patient should stop taking them at least one week before the procedure.
- Make plans for commuting to and from the hospital. Make plans for someone to facilitate you at home as well.
- For at least eight hours before the surgery, don’t eat or drink anything.
Anesthesia
- An IV in your hand or arm provides general anesthesia, which relieves discomfort and keeps you unconscious during the operation.
- During surgery, local anesthesia is used.
Description of the Procedure
The laparoscope is inserted through a small incision made below the navel button. The doctor will inject carbon dioxide gas into the abdomen to help him see the organs better. The next move is to locate the cyst’s location. The use of a laparoscope will assist in this process. Using laparoscopic surgical instruments, the cyst is cut and removed. The cut specimen undergoes analysis. If the specimen is cancerous, both ovaries would be separated. Incisions are secured with sutures or staples.
In case laparoscopically it is difficult to do the surgery, then open surgery may be required.
