Name of the Procedure:

Ovarian Cystectomy, also known as Unilateral or Bilateral Ovarian Cyst Removal

Summary

An ovarian cystectomy is a surgical procedure to remove cysts from one or both ovaries. It can be done using minimally invasive techniques or through an open abdominal incision.

Purpose

The procedure is designed to remove abnormal, benign, or potentially malignant cysts from the ovaries. The goals are to alleviate pain, eliminate the risk of cyst rupture or torsion, and preserve ovarian function when possible.

Indications

• Persistent pelvic pain
• Enlarged ovarian cysts causing discomfort
• Cysts suspected to be malignant
• Ovarian torsion
• Infertility issues related to ovarian cysts

Preparation

• Fasting for 6-8 hours before the surgery
• Stopping certain medications as advised by your doctor
• Undergoing preoperative tests like blood work, pelvic ultrasound, or MRI

Procedure Description

The surgical procedure starts with the patient under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes either small incisions for laparoscopic surgery or a larger incision for open surgery. The cyst is carefully excised from the ovary, and the ovary is repaired if possible. In some cases, the entire ovary may need to be removed if the cyst is too large or suspected malignant. Laparoscopic tools and cameras guide the surgery, minimizing tissue damage and promoting faster recovery.

Duration

The procedure typically lasts between 1 to 2 hours, depending on the complexity and whether one or both ovaries are involved.

Setting

This procedure is usually performed in a hospital or a surgical center.

Personnel

• Surgeon (usually a gynecologist)
• Nurses
• Anesthesiologist
• Surgical assistants

Risks and Complications

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Damage to surrounding organs
• Adhesion formation
• Recurrence of cysts
• Anesthesia-related complications

Benefits

• Relief from pain and discomfort
• Prevention of cyst rupture or torsion
• Preserved fertility and ovarian function, when possible
• Reduced risk of malignant transformation

Recovery

• Initial hospital stay of 1-2 days (for laparoscopic) or 3-5 days (for open surgery)
• At-home recovery with limited physical activity for 2-6 weeks
• Pain management with prescribed medications
• Follow-up appointments for monitoring healing and assessing ovarian function

Alternatives

• Watchful waiting for asymptomatic or simple cysts
• Hormonal therapy to prevent further cyst formation
• Draining the cyst using aspiration, though this carries a risk of recurrence

Patient Experience

During the procedure, the patient will be under general anesthesia and feel no pain. Postoperatively, there may be discomfort at the incision sites and some pelvic soreness. Pain management strategies will be provided, and most patients can resume normal activities within a few weeks, adhering to any specific restrictions suggested by their healthcare provider.