Ovarian cyst removal is a surgical procedure performed to remove large, cancerous or painful cysts from the ovaries. An ovarian cyst is a sac filled with fluid that can form on the ovaries. There are 2 different types of ovarian cysts, functional cysts and pathological cysts. Functional cysts occur in women who have not yet gone through the menopause. A functional cyst forms when the follicle in the ovary, which is responsible for releasing the eggs, does not release the egg or becomes swollen. This type of cyst is usually harmless and non-cancerous, and in most cases goes away without requiring treatment.

A pathological cyst can develop either before or after the menopause and is caused by an abnormal growth of cells on the ovaries. While most pathological cysts are non-cancerous, some may be cancerous and require removal, and in some cases, the ovaries may also need to be removed. Patients with endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome have an increased chance of developing a cyst on the ovaries. For most ovarian cysts, the doctor will usually recommend what is referred to as "watchful waiting". This means that the cyst is monitored over a period of weeks or months to see if it will go away by itself.

However, if the cyst does not go away, is large, is causing symptoms, or is cancerous, then surgery is recommended to remove the cyst. Some cysts may cause symptoms which include pelvic pain, nausea, bloating, frequent urination, and pain when passing a bowel movement. Surgery can be performed laparoscopically or as open surgery, however laparoscopic surgery is the preferred method of surgery when possible, as it is is minimally invasive with a quicker recovery time.

Recommended for Large ovarian cysts Cancerous ovarian cysts Ovarian cysts that are causing pain Time requirements Number of days in hospital 1 - 2 days . Some patients may be discharged on the day of the surgery, while others may require an overnight stay. Number of trips abroad needed 1. Ovarian cysts can cause abdominal pain. 

Patients will meet with the doctor before the surgery and the doctor will perform any necessary tests such as a physical exam, blood tests, urine tests, ultrasound, or CT scan.

Patients are usually advised to refrain from eating and drinking in the hours preceding the surgery, in order to prepare for the general anesthetic.,

The surgery can be performed either laparoscopically or as open surgery, depending on the size of the cyst and on the individual patient. Laparoscopic surgery is the preferred method of surgery, however, for larger cysts, open surgery may be required. For laparoscopic ovarian cyst removal, the surgeon will begin by making small incisions in the abdomen, through which a laparoscope is inserted. The laparoscope is fitted with a light and a camera, which is guided by the surgeon. Small instruments will then be attached to the laparoscope through the incision and are used to remove the cyst.

Once it has been removed, the surgeon will then remove the laparoscope and will close the incisions with sutures. Open ovarian cyst removal is performed by making one large incision in the abdomen. The surgeon will then remove the cyst and in some cases, it may be necessary to remove the ovary. Once the cyst has been removed, the surgeon will then close the incision site with sutures.

The removed cyst is sent to the laboratory to be tested, in order to ensure that there is no cancer present. In the case where the cyst tests positive for cancer, it may be necessary to remove the ovaries. Anesthesia General anesthetic. Procedure duration The Ovarian Cyst Removal takes 1 to 2 hours. The cyst is removed laparoscopically or through open surgery.,

Patients will be given instructions on how to keep the incision site clean, in order to prevent infection. Possible discomfort Patients will experience pain and discomfort in the days proceeding the surgery, however, they will be prescribed pain medication.

Recovery time after laparoscopic surgery is shorter than with open surgery, and patients should be feeling better after 2 weeks. The recovery after open surgery can take up to 6 weeks.,