Doctors generally recommend that ovarian cyst removal is done when the cyst is large, solid, has an irregular shape or could be cancerous. It is also likely to be removed if it is twisted or ruptured and is causing extreme pain. Older patients with ovarian cysts are more likely to need to have them removed since the likelihood of having a cancerous cyst increases with age.

Prior to undergoing an ovarian cyst removal procedure, a thorough physical examination is needed. Your doctor will review your current current medications, order routine tests of blood and urine, as well as request that X-rays and CT scan of the abdomen be done to confirm the diagnosis.

A surgeon will opt for either a laparoscopic surgery or an open surgery to remove the cyst. This generally depends on the state of the cyst and the views of the patient. However in some cases, where the cyst is large, there may not be an option and open surgery is needed.

In laparoscopic surgery, a slim tube called a laparoscope is introduced into the patient’s body by making a small incision in the lower abdomen. It is very helpful in locating the ovarian cyst as well as to guide its removal.

Large ovarian cysts are usually removed through surgery under general anesthesia. Post-operative experience usually includes some abdominal pain. Other complications like bleeeding and infection may also be experienced. In a few rare cases, removal may cause infertility and blood clots. There is also a chance that a new cyst will still develop after ovarian cyst removal surgery.

Should the surgeon finds no sign of ovarian cancer during the procedure, then is can be relatively safe to say you will be back to normal within a week to two weeks after the operation. However, if ovarian cancer is found, it may be necessary to undergo further surgery to remove one or both ovaries or the decision may be taken to do it in the current procedure. With this completed then a course of ovarian cancer treatment would be required.

After the removal of an ovarian cyst, it is important to notify your doctor if you have a fever or chills, excessive pain or bleeding, shortness of breath, headaches, muscle aches, nausea, abdominal swelling, vomiting, or any other signs of ill health. An ovarian cyst removal, like all other surgeries, must be closely monitored post-surgery but in all likelihood will have no further complications.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, November 18th, 2008 at 1:57 am and is filed under Health. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.