Ovarian Cysts Surgery: The Basics

By Amanda Clark

Ovarian cysts are sacs of tissues, which develop within the ovaries. A very common issue for many women, they are most often completely painless and do not require treatment. However, whilst most remain small and are formed as a normal part of the menstrual cycle, there are some which need ovarian cysts surgery.

This is because most cysts remain absolutely harmless, (benign). However, they can turn cancerous, (malignant), though this cannot be ascertained until they have been studied in a lab.

Whilst ovarian cysts surgery is quite straight forward, it does require general anesthetic. There are two type of surgery available.

The first technique is a laparoscopy.

Two small incisions are made to the lower abdomen, a tube inserted and gas blown into the pelvis to ease the wall of the abdomen away from internal organs. A laparoscope, (a flexible microscope), is inserted, in order that the surgeon can see properly, and the cyst, (or part of it), is removed with tiny surgical implements.

This is the preferred procedure; it takes no more than thirty minutes in most cases, most patients are free to go home in the same day, is not too painful, whilst the stitches used are usually dissolvable so does not require follow up treatment. It is also not likely to affect fertility if the patient.

If the cyst is thought likely to be cancerous, a laparotomy may be scheduled.

A more invasive surgery, a cut is made across the top of the pubic area to allow for easier access to the area. The entire cyst will be cut away from the ovaries, and taken off for study. This often requires a stay of two or more days in hospital, to allow the stitches to set, and check the patient's general well being.

Whatever type of ovarian cysts surgery is advised, all details will be thoroughly explained. As is necessary, further surgery may of course be required, though this is seldom the case - 29962

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