Laparoscopy, surgical; with aspiration of cavity or cyst (eg, ovarian cyst) (single or multiple)
CPT4 code
Name of the Procedure:
Laparoscopy, surgical; with aspiration of cavity or cyst (e.g., ovarian cyst) (single or multiple)
Summary
This procedure involves using minimally invasive techniques to remove fluid from a cyst or cavity, commonly an ovarian cyst. A small camera and surgical instruments are inserted through tiny incisions in the abdomen to locate and aspirate the cyst.
Purpose
- Addresses: Ovarian cysts or other fluid-filled cavities.
- Goals: To reduce pain and discomfort, prevent complications like cyst rupture, and improve overall reproductive health.
Indications
- Persistent pelvic pain.
- Suspected or confirmed ovarian cysts based on imaging.
- Cysts that are large, symptomatic, or causing other complications.
- Recurrence of ovarian cysts.
- Infertility issues related to ovarian cysts.
Preparation
- Patients usually need to fast for several hours before the procedure.
- Preoperative lab work and imaging tests might be required.
- Medication adjustments (e.g., stopping blood thinners) as instructed by the doctor.
- Arranging transportation post-procedure due to the effects of anesthesia.
Procedure Description
- Anesthesia: General anesthesia is administered.
- Incisions: Small incisions are made near the belly button and possibly other locations on the abdomen.
- Insertion: A laparoscope (a thin tube with a camera) is inserted through the incision.
- Inspection: The abdominal cavity is inspected, and the cyst is located.
- Aspiration: Specialized instruments are used to puncture and aspirate the fluid from the cyst or cavity.
- Closure: Once the cyst is drained, the tools are removed, and the incisions are closed with sutures or staples.
Duration
The procedure typically lasts 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on complexity.
Setting
Performed in a hospital or outpatient surgical center.
Personnel
- Surgeons: Perform the procedure.
- Nurses: Assist with surgery and patient care.
- Anesthesiologists: Administer and monitor anesthesia.
- Surgical Technicians: Prepare and manage surgical instruments.
Risks and Complications
- Common risks: Infection, bleeding, pain at the incision site.
- Rare risks: Injury to surrounding organs, complications from anesthesia, blood clots.
Benefits
- Relieves pain and other symptoms caused by ovarian cysts.
- Minimally invasive with shorter recovery time compared to open surgery.
- Reduces risk of cyst rupture and associated complications.
- Potential improvement in fertility if cysts were impacting reproductive health.
Recovery
- Patients can usually go home the same day but may need someone to drive them.
- Post-procedure care includes managing pain with prescribed medications and caring for the incision sites.
- Most people return to normal activities within a week, with some restrictions on strenuous activity or lifting.
- Follow-up appointments to monitor healing and ensure the cyst has been adequately treated.
Alternatives
- Watchful waiting: Monitoring cysts with regular ultrasounds if they are not causing severe symptoms.
- Medication: Hormonal treatments (e.g., birth control pills) to manage cysts.
- Open surgery: In cases where laparoscopy isn’t suitable, a more invasive procedure might be required.
- Each alternative comes with its pros and cons, such as recovery time, risks, and effectiveness.
Patient Experience
- During the procedure, patients will be under general anesthesia and not feel any pain.
- Post-procedure, patients might experience mild to moderate pain at the incision sites, manageable with pain medications.
- Some abdominal discomfort and bloating are common but usually temporary.
- Patients are advised to rest and gradually return to normal activities while following their doctor's postoperative care instructions.