Ovarian Cysts Removal Surgery

An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac that develops in women during their reproductive years or after menopause. The first line of treatment is to diagnose the type of cyst using ultrasound and blood work. The most common treatment is to keep a watch on the cyst if the cyst is found to be large or causing to show symptoms. Ovarian cysts generally go away without intervention. Ovarian cysts removal surgery is done for the diagnosis of an ovarian cyst, removal of the cyst causing symptoms, or for ruling out ovarian cancer.

What is ovarian cysts removal surgery (Cystectomy)?

Ovarian cysts removal surgery is the surgical procedure for removing a cyst from a woman’s ovary or its surface. Women have 2 ovaries and each one is the size of an almond. These ovaries are located in the pelvis that is on either side of the uterus. The ovaries may have two functions- the production of eggs (ova) and female hormones. The ovarian follicles that are larger than 2cm are considered ovarian cysts. Persistent or symptomatic cysts larger than 3 – 4cm need surgery.

Diagnosis

The cyst can be found during a pelvic exam. Depending on the size and if it is fluid-filled, solid, or mixed, the doctor will recommend the tests to be done to determine its type and treatment. The tests include:

• Pregnancy test: This test might suggest you have a corpus luteum cyst.
• Pelvic ultrasound: The transducer device sends and receives high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) will create the image of your uterus and ovaries on a video screen to confirm the presence of a cyst, location, and determine if it’s solid, filled with fluid, or mixed.
• Laparoscopy: Using a laparoscope, the doctor can see the ovaries and remove the ovarian cyst. It is a surgical procedure under the influence of anesthesia.
• CA 125 blood test: Blood levels of a protein called cancer antigen 125 are elevated in women with ovarian cancer. If the cyst is partially solid, it could have a high risk of ovarian cancer. This test is also recommended in noncancerous conditions like endometriosis, uterine fibroids & pelvic inflammatory disease.

Treatment

Treatment depends on your age, cyst type and size, and symptoms. Your doctor might suggest:

• Watchful waiting: In many cases, the patient is advised to wait and be re-examined if the cyst goes away on its own. This is typically an option irrespective of age and without symptoms.
• Medication: The doctor might prescribe hormonal contraceptives such as birth control pills to keep ovarian cysts from recurring.
• Surgery: The doctor might suggest the removal of the cyst but not appearing as a functional cyst. It grows and continues through two or three menstrual cycles causing pain.