7800 Wolf Trail Cove, Germantown, TN 38138 • (901) 682-9222 • Open Weekdays 8:00 - 5:00
OVARIAN CYSTECTOMY
What is it?
Cystectomy is the surgical removal of cysts. Ovarian cystectomy includes two types of surgery: Laparoscopy is a diagnostic procedure used to confirm diagnoses and remove benign ovarian cysts. Laparotomy or oophorectomy are open procedures used to remove larger cysts, multiple cysts, or cysts that have ruptured.
What conditions is it designed to treat?
Ovarian cystectomy is used to treat all of the benign ovarian cysts such as follicular cysts, corpus luteum cysts, cystic teratomas, and ovarian endometriomas.
How is the procedure done?
With laparoscopy, the patient is fully anesthesized. A small incision is made near the umbilicus and a thin, lighted, fiber-optic tube is inserted into the abdomen. Two other puncture sites are created on either side of the umbilicus to insert instruments used to support the ovaries and to treat the cyst(s). Generally, the cyst can be grasped with tiny forceps and removed from the abdominal cavity. Recovery time from laparoscopy is about 2 weeks.
With laparotomy or oophorectomy, the patient is also fully anesthesized and an incision is made over the lower abdomen. Cysts, fibroids, uterus, or ovaries can be removed in whole. The incision will be closed using surgical tape, staples, or stitches. Recovery time is 2 to 4 weeks.
Are there other similar procedures?
Ovarian cystectomy is accomplished by laparoscopy, laparotomy, or oophorectomy.
What are the potential risks?
Potential risks from ovarian cystectomy are: (1) cysts may return if the ovaries are not removed; (2) if the cyst is cancerous, there is a chance the cancer might spread if fluid leaks into the abdominal cavity; (3) scar tissue may form on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or in the pelvis, resulting in infertility; and (4) there is a slight chance of perforated bowel or bladder from the instruments used in surgery.
What are special instructions after the procedure?
The patient should avoid strenuous activity after any of these surgeries. Also, the patient should avoid sexual intercourse, douching, and tampon use. If the patient experiences prolonged or heavy bleeding, or if signs of an infection appear such as fever, chills, or yellowish discharge from the incision site--a physician should be contacted immediately.
Thomas G. Stovall, M.D.
Dr. Stovall is a Clinical Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, Tennessee and Partner of Women's Health Specialists, Inc.
Date Published: 2004-03-04
7800 Wolf Trail Cove, Germantown, TN 38138
Phone: (901) 682-9222; Fax: (901) 682-9505