5 Things You Need to Know About Ovarian Cyst Surgery

1. Why Should You Care?

If ever you get pain in the abdomen, so severe and serious that it brings on fever and vomiting, call in your doctor promptly. If you also feel cold, clammy, and lightheaded and struggle for breath, it is an emergency. It is possible that something is wrong with your abdomen. If a pelvic exam reveals the source of the pain to be a cyst, you should explore surgical options.

2. Are You at Risk?

If you use birth control pills other than low-dose progestin-only pills you have an elevated risk.
If you are post-menopausal, you run a greater risk of ovarian cyst cancer. In fact, high levels of a blood protein called CA-125 raise the risk. Also, solid ovarian cysts are a sign of trouble. Your doctor will recommend a hysterectomy if cysts develop on the ovaries after menopause.

3. Are You Sure, Doctor?

Your physician will perform tests such as a pelvic ultrasound to confirm your need for surgery. A look at your ovaries or cysts through a small incision called a laparoscopy or a larger abdominal incision (laparotomy) should reveal their condition. If the cyst is painful, larger than three inches, non-functional, growing and persistent, it may be removed surgically. If the abnormal growths are present in both the ovaries, your physician might remove them in a either a cystectomy or oophorectomy. You will still be able to bear a child. Ovarian surgery is also recommended if you have an ovarian growth, whether or not you ever had a menstrual period or have been through menopause. Should the doctor confirm cancer of the ovarian cysts, you are better off having the ovaries or uterus removed.

4. What Are the Risks of Ovarian Surgery?

There is no guarantee that the ovarian cysts won't come back after a cystectomy. There is a risk of injury to the bowel or bladder during ovarian surgery. Pain may not be fully controlled. There is also risk of infection and scar formation at the surgical site, on the ovaries or fallopian tubes or in the pelvis. However, recent advances in safe treatment are leading to the containment of the ovarian cyst with the help of surgical adhesives and a plastic sleeve. This approach has been shown to markedly reduce the length of the surgical incision.

5. Can You Prevent Ovarian Cysts?

Unfortunately, there is nothing to prevent development of ovarian cysts in women. However, you can catch them early on by having regular pelvic exams. Also, watch out for any unusual signs or symptoms in your monthly cycles, and alert your doctor to any such changes for prompt medical attention.