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

1. Anesthesia: General anesthesia is administered.
2. Incisions: Small incisions are made near the belly button and possibly other locations on the abdomen.
3. Insertion: A laparoscope (a thin tube with a camera) is inserted through the incision.
4. Inspection: The abdominal cavity is inspected, and the cyst is located.
5. Aspiration: Specialized instruments are used to puncture and aspirate the fluid from the cyst or cavity.
6. 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.