What is an ovarian cyst?
Ovarian cysts are fluid filled sacs (pockets) within or on the surface of an ovary. The ovaries, where eggs develop and mature, are located on either side of your uterus (womb).
Most cysts are harmless and don’t cause any pain or discomfort. However, some cysts cause serious symptoms.
Surgery is recommended to:
- confirm a diagnosis of ovarian cysts and rule out ovarian cancer
- remove cysts that could cause pain or infertility (due to twisting or bleeding)
- release pressure where, for example, large cysts are pressing on your bladder or other organs
The operation to remove ovarian cysts is called a cystectomy, and is normally done under general anaesthesia. This means you will be asleep and will feel no pain throughout the procedure.
The length of time you will need to stay in hospital depends on the exact type of operation you have. Your surgeon will give you advice specific to your case.
Your surgeon will also explain the benefits and risks of having ovarian cysts removed, and will also discuss the alternatives to the procedure.
About the operation
There are two main types of ovarian cyst operation – open and laparoscopic. Your surgeon will give you advice on which technique is appropriate for you.
Open cystectomy
A cut is made either horizontally just above your pubic bone (along the top of the bikini line) or vertically from just below your belly button. The ovary is opened and the cyst is lifted out. The skin cuts are closed with stitches. If you have open surgery you may need to stay in hospital for two to three days.
Laparoscopic cystectomy
Laparoscopic cystectomy is ‘keyhole surgery’. It involves making a number of smaller cuts on your abdomen. Your surgeon can remove the ovarian cysts through the small incisions by inserting a tube-like telescopic camera and specially designed surgical instruments.
Laparoscopic cystectomy may be done as a day case, or with an overnight stay in hospital.
Ovarian cystectomy usually takes about 45 minutes. After the operation, the tissue may be sent to a laboratory so it can be examined under a microscope.
Afterwards, you may have some pain and discomfort in the abdomen. If you have the cyst removed laparoscopically you are likely to feel some pain in the abdomen as well as “referred pain” in the shoulders – caused by the gas used to inflate the abdomen. This usually disappears within 48 hours.
Having an ovarian cyst removed is a commonly performed and generally safe operation. For most women, the benefits are much greater than the disadvantages. However, all surgery carries some element of risk.
Rarely, damage to other organs and tissues in the abdomen, such as the ureters (tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder), can occur. There is also a chance that the fallopian tube may be damaged, slightly increasing the risk of ectopic pregnancy or infertility.
Your surgeon will make every effort to remove intact cysts, because there is, in theory, the risk of spreading tumour cells if a cancerous cyst bursts. Most doctors only recommend keyhole surgery if they are fairly sure that the cyst is not cancerous. However, it may not be possible to be absolutely certain of this before the operation.
In some cases, it may be necessary to remove the whole ovary. Your surgeon will discuss this with you before the operation.
The chance of complications depends on the exact type of operation you are having and other factors such as your general health. Ask your surgeon to explain how any risks apply to you.
To find out more about having an ovarian cyst removed in a Spire Healthcare hospital, please call our treatment enquiry team on 0800 434 6600.
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