First, you are given a general anesthetic.
A very small incision is made in the lower abdomen just below the navel. Carbon dioxide gas is pumped into the abdomen, to inflate it and make it easier for the surgeon to view the organs. Through this incision, a laparoscope is inserted which is a thin, lighted tube. The laparoscope is then used to locate the cyst. Once located, one or two more tiny incisions are made, through which surgical instruments are inserted to remove the cyst. The cyst can be removed intact or it can be aspirated and cyst wall can be either excised or ablated. The removed tissue should be sent for biopsy.
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Pic: Ovarian cyst being punctured |
| What happens after the
procedure? |
| You may stay in the hospital several hours or overnight to recover. The anesthetic may cause sleepiness for a while. You may have abdominal pain or discomfort at the incision site, shoulder pain for a few days. You may not be able to urinate right away and may have a catheter (a small tube) placed into your bladder through the urethra (the tube from the bladder to the
outside). |
| What are the benefits of this
procedure? |
| The cysts can be removed without more extensive abdominal surgery. Open abdominal surgery would involve a larger incision, longer hospital stay and recovery time, and greater discomfort. You are also less likely to develop a type of scar tissue called adhesions in the abdomen or pelvis. However remember, some cases are suitable only for open surgery. |
| What are the risks associated with this
procedure? |
- You may develop an infection or bleeding.
- A small risk of damage to abdominal organs or blood vessels may be damaged. You may need abdominal surgery to repair them at the time of the laparoscopy.
- There are some risks when you have general anesthesia.
- You should discuss more with your doctor if you want to.
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| Is laparoscopic surgery more
expensive? |
| Not really. Instruments are a little more expensive but less hospital stay and early recovery make up for that extra cost. |
| Can you always do it
laparoscopically? |
| No. There is about 10% chance that it needs doing by open surgery. This is particularly needed in cases where the cyst is bigger, look suspicious or uterus may also need to be taken out. Once the cyst is removed it is sent to a pathologist (for biopsy) who examines the tissue under a microscope to make the final diagnosis as to the type of cyst
present. |
| Can ovarian cysts be
prevented? |
| Ovarian cysts cannot be prevented. It has been seen that women on oral contraceptives pill are less likely to have functional cyst. Fortunately, the vast majorities of cysts don't cause any symptoms, are not related to cancer, and go away on their own. A pelvic exam, possibly with an ultrasound, can help determine if a cyst is causing the problem. |
| When are women most likely to have ovarian
cysts? |
| Follicular ovarian cysts usually occur during the childbearing years. Most often, cysts in women of this age group are not cancerous. Women who are past menopause (ages
50-70) with ovarian cysts have a higher risk of ovarian cancer. At any age, if you think you have a cyst, it's important to consult your doctor. |
| What happens if I have a cyst and I do not undergo Surgery? Will this affect my married
life? |
| If you leave it alone it may grow in size. There can be bleeding into the cyst or the cyst can twist around its pedicle causing severe pain. In both these conditions you might have to undergo emergency surgery to remove the cyst. Cysts and possible problems with it might affect your married life. Discuss in further details with your doctor. |
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Fullness in the abdomen
Age
