Ovarian Cystectomy Surgery: When Is It Recommended, and What Is It?

Ovarian cystectomy surgery is one of the most popular and effective treatments for women with ovarian cysts that cause pain or pose a health concern. Gynaecologists in cities like Mumbai, where advanced medical treatment is readily available, frequently recommend this procedure when cysts become bothersome. Ovarian cystectomy is the removal of a cyst while preserving the ovary, resulting in minimal impact on a woman’s reproductive health. The majority of cysts are benign, but some might cause pain, rupture, or even fertility concerns. In this blog, we will explore when an ovarian cystectomy surgery in Mumbai is indicated and what the patient can expect from the process.

Understanding Ovarian Cysts

Ovarian cysts are quite common, and they occur in most women at some time in their lives. They often appear during the menstrual cycle and are usually benign, but if the cyst is persistent, grows to a considerable size, or produces considerable symptoms, it requires medical attention. Cysts can vary by size and type, such as functional cysts, which form during ovulation; dermoid cysts; endometriomas, which are related to endometriosis; or cystadenomas, which originate in cells on the surface of the ovaries.

Most ovarian cysts are benign, and thus they can be followed up for monitoring; however, in certain instances, surgical intervention becomes necessary. The decision to have ovarian cystectomy depends on the size, type, and nature of the cyst and the patient’s symptoms and overall health.

When Is Ovarian Cystectomy Surgery Recommended?

• Cysts that are Large or Persistent: An ovarian cyst may need to be surgically removed if it becomes too big or lasts for a long time. Because they are more likely to twist, rupture, or bleed, cysts larger than 5 cm in diameter are frequently evaluated for surgical intervention.

• Pain and Discomfort: Many women with ovarian cysts are asymptomatic or only mildly uncomfortable. Larger cysts, on the other hand, maybe very painful, especially when they grow rapidly. The discomfort can be worse during exercise or intercourse. If it is bothersome and really gets in the way, then cystectomy is recommended.

• Ovarian Torsion: It is a disorder in which ovarian cysts can occasionally twist around the ovary. In addition to causing excruciating agony, this can harm tissue by interfering with the ovary’s blood supply. If there is a risk of torsion, a gynaecologist will frequently recommend cyst removal.

• Cyst Rupture: A cyst may rupture in rare cases, leading to severe pain and internal bleeding. A ruptured cyst could be an emergency condition requiring surgical intervention in order to remove the cyst and repair the damaged tissue.

• Possible Cancerous Cysts: There is always a chance that an ovarian cyst could be cancerous, even though the majority are benign. In order to rule out cancer, the gynaecologist could suggest removal if imaging tests like ultrasound or CT scans reveal suspicious signs (such as uneven form or solid components). After that, a biopsy is performed on the cyst to determine whether or not it is malignant.

• Problems with Infertility: Ovarian cysts may occasionally affect a woman’s ability to conceive. Cysts such as endometriomas or polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) cysts may be a contributing reason for women experiencing infertility. An ovarian cystectomy may be undertaken to remove the cyst and enhance reproductive outcomes if traditional treatment proves ineffective.

• Hormonal Imbalance: Certain types of ovarian cysts, including those due to diseases such as PCOS, may contribute to hormonal imbalances. These could manifest as irregular periods, excessive hair growth, or weight gain. In this case, surgery may be recommended if medication or changes in lifestyle cannot control these symptoms.

What is involved in Ovarian Cystectomy Surgery?

Ovarian cystectomy is usually done under general anaesthesia; therefore, the patient will be asleep during the time of the procedure. This helps in feeling no pain. There are two ways to do surgery:

• Laparoscopy (Minimally Invasive Surgery): Laparoscopy, a minimally invasive procedure involving tiny incisions, is typically used to perform ovarian cystectomy. Through one of the incisions, the surgeon inserts a laparoscope, a thin, flexible tube equipped with a camera, to view the ovaries and cysts. After removing the cyst with specialized tools, the surgeon closes the wounds with staples or sutures. Compared to traditional surgery, this approach has a shorter recovery period and less postoperative discomfort.

• Laparotomy (Open Surgery): In cases where the cyst is large or even suspected to be cancerous, laparotomy is used. This procedure requires an open incision on the abdomen for easy access to the ovaries and removal of the cyst. Recovery is longer compared to laparoscopy but might be required for complete removal and examination.

After the cyst has been removed, the ovary is preserved, and the surgeon takes great care to ensure that there is no tissue damage. In some cases, the cyst may be taken for biopsy to ensure it’s not cancerous. After the surgery, the patient is usually monitored for a short period to ensure there are no complications, such as bleeding or infection.

Postoperative Care and Recovery

The type of surgery used has a significant impact on the healing period following an ovarian cystectomy. With laparoscopy, patients typically heal more quickly and resume their regular activities in about a week. However, in the initial days following the treatment, slight pain, bloating, and some discomfort are typical around the incisions.

Patients are also advised not to indulge in heavy lifting, straining exercises, or sexual intercourse for some time so that the body can recover completely. The gynaecologist follows up on patients by appointment to monitor the improvement in recovery and check if complications occur. Further treatment may be determined from a biopsy, especially in women who underwent it.

Contact the Top Gynaecologist in Mumbai for Ovarian Cystectomy Surgery

In order to treat problematic ovarian cysts, ovarian cystectomy is a necessary surgical treatment that relieves symptoms and averts problems. A gynaecologist will assess the condition and suggest the best course of action, regardless of the size, persistence, or probable cancer of the cyst. It’s crucial to see a reputable gynaecologist if you suspect an ovarian cyst and are suffering symptoms like pelvic pain or discomfort. You may consult Dr. Chaitali Mahajan Trivedi, a leading gynaecologist in Mumbai who treats women’s reproductive health issues with expert care and surgical remedies at Nanavati Super Speciality Hospital. The doctor has over 26 years of experience, and using his expertise, she will advise the patient on the best course of action following a thorough evaluation.

To find out more, book a consultation with Dr. Chaitali Mahajan Trivedi at Nanavati Super Speciality Hospital!