The surgical procedure to remove ovarian cysts in females who want to retain their ovaries while they are still fertile is called a cystectomy. The decision on whether to only remove the cyst, or cysts, or to completely remove the ovary will depend on the woman’s age, the size of the cyst, if the blood supply to the ovary has been stopped due to a twisted ovary, and if there is any suspicion of malignancy. Once your Glendora General Surgeon determines that a cystectomy is a good option for your individual situation, he will recommend whether to remove the cysts with an open operation or a minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure.
General Cystectomy Information
The surgery is performed in a hospital. If you have a laparoscopic procedure, you may be able to go home after a few hours stay in recovery, but you will need to have someone there to drive you home. If you have an open operation, you may need to remain in the hospital overnight for observation. Before your procedure, you will be given a general anesthesia so that you will be asleep during the operation and will not feel any pain. The surgery will take 1 to 2 hours to complete. You will be given post-operative care instructions, and a follow-up office appointment before you leave the hospital.
Surgical Procedures
Both procedures give the surgeon access to the surgery site so that your cyst can be completely removed. The cyst will be captured in a surgical bag before it is detached from the ovary to ensure that no fluids escape into your pelvic cavity. The incision, or incisions, are closed with sutures or staples that may dissolve on their own or need to be removed during a post-operative appointment.
Open Cystectomy: For this operation, the surgeon will make one large incision slightly above the pubic bone. After the cyst is removed and the incision is closed, you will be taken to a recovery room where you will stay until your hospital room is ready. Full recovery from an open cystectomy normally takes 6 to 8 weeks.
Laparoscopic Cystectomy: For this operation, the surgeon will make two to three small incisions in the belly button and bikini line areas. The laparoscopic surgical instruments have cameras attached so that the surgeon has a clear view of the surgery site. After the cyst is removed and the incisions are closed, you will be taken to a recovery room for observation while the anesthesia wears off. Unless the surgeon has determined that you will need to remain in the hospital overnight, you will be released from the hospital. Full recovery from a laparoscopic cystectomy normally takes 1 to 2 weeks.
