Overview
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that can clear on their own and may not have any symptoms. Smaller cysts may be found by chance during an ultrasound scan.
Larger cysts that are partially or completely solid can need further evaluation in a lab to rule out whether they are cancerous. The treatment for an ovarian cyst depends on the symptoms and their appearance and may not need a medical intervention.
Doctors monitor the symptoms, perform ultrasounds, and see whether surgery is needed.
Your doctor may recommend a surgery if the cyst:
- Grows in size more than 10 centimeters
- Ruptures and there is bleeding
- Has symptoms may be cancerous
- Is twisted (undergone torsion)
- Interfering with everyday life
- Making you unwell
Is ovarian cyst removal surgery painful?
Ovarian cyst removal surgery is performed under general anesthesia. You will not feel anything during the surgery.
After surgery, you may experience mild pain in the lower tummy and some discomfort which will resolve within a few days. There may be some traces of vaginal bleeding for 48 hours.
You may feel some dizziness, nausea, or sleepiness which are side effects of anesthesia during the first 12 hours after surgery.
What to expect after ovarian cyst surgery?
Ovarian cyst removal surgery, also known as ovarian cystectomy is of two types. Recovery and after-effects of surgery depend on the type of surgery performed.
Laparoscopy
It is a keyhole surgery where small incisions are made in the tummy. Gas is blown through one incision that allows the surgeon to access the ovary. A thin laparoscope with a light is passed to view the internal organs. The cyst is then cut and removed through one of the incisions. Dissolvable stitches are used to close the cuts.
Laparoscopic surgery is easy to perform, is less painful, and you can return home the same day after resting for a few hours or the next day.
Laparotomy
This procedure is used to remove large ovarian cysts or if there are chances that the cyst may be cancerous.
During laparotomy, a large, single cut is made in the abdomen from where the cyst or the whole ovary may be removed. The cyst is then sent to the lab to evaluate whether it is cancerous. You have to stay in the hospital for a few days.
Recovery is longer in laparotomy.
The maximum time for full recovery for both laparoscopy and laparotomy is 12 weeks.
After an ovarian cyst removal surgery, you can expect the following:
- The hospital stay may be overnight for laparoscopy and a few days for laparotomy. During this time, your blood pressure, vitals, urine output, etc., will be monitored
- Scars after laparoscopy will be fewer compared to laparotomy which involves a larger incision
- Generally, dissolvable stitches are used. In other cases, the stitches will be removed after 5-7 days
- After removal of the dressing, you can take a bath
- Pat the incision area dry, each time you take a bath to avoid infections
- Some light vaginal bleeding may be noticed for 24-48 hours after surgery
- Slight pain and discomfort in the lower abdomen is common. Take prescribed pain medications for relief
- You will be asked to be mobile to reduce formation of blood clots and increase blood circulation
- There will be feelings of tiredness. Take rest to allow the body to heal properly
- Menstrual cycles will resume within 4-6 weeks post-surgery. There may be heavy bleeding and discomfort during the first two to three cycles. If the discomfort persists, consult the doctor
- To promote internal healing, refrain from sex until the doctor gives you permission
- Take leave from work for 3-4 weeks
Stop your suffering NOW
Don't just jump into a surgery because your doctor is advising you to go for it. Consult our doctors to know if you need a surgery at all. Rest assured, we WON'T recommend you surgery unless it's the last resort.
