Surgery for Ovarian Cysts: Types, Cost and what to expect

Ovarian cysts are common occurrences in the reproductive systems of many females. These cysts are fluid-filled sacs that may form on or around the ovaries, which produce essential hormones like Estrogen and Progesterone. The size of these cysts may vary from small benign growths to large ones that must be treated.

However, while most ovarian cysts are benign and may be resolved on their own, it’s important to know the cause, recognize signs, or see a good doctor for proper diagnosis so that optimal reproductive health can be achieved.  Ovarian cysts are very common, especially if you haven’t gone through menopause yet. The most commonly used type of ovarian cyst is functional cysts.

Surgery turns out to be the last option, when ovarian cysts grow larger, cause permanent pain, or show signs of potential complications. Ovarian cyst surgery is done to remove the cyst while preserving the health of the ovary and surrounding tissues for maintaining a healthy life. Here today, this blog will guide you on the different types of ovarian cyst surgeries. What one should expect during the process, and how one should prepare for an easy recovery of their body. 

Types of Surgery for Ovarian Cysts:-

Laparoscopic Ovarian Cystectomy:

Laparoscopic surgery, also known as minimally invasive surgery, is a common approach to removing ovarian cysts. During this procedure, small incisions are made in the abdomen, and a thin tube with a camera (laparoscope) is inserted to guide the surgeon. Additional small incisions allow for the insertion of surgical instruments.

The cyst is carefully excised or drained, and the incisions are sutured. The results of Laparoscopic surgery may include smaller scars, less pain, and a quicker recovery compared to open surgeries. Recovery time for Laparoscopic surgery patients is 5 days, which means within 5 days the patient will get back to his/her normal life. 

Open Ovarian Cystectomy:

In cases where the cyst is too large, complex, or requires more extensive access, open surgery might be performed. This involves making a larger incision in the abdomen to directly access the ovaries. Open surgery is done when the cysts become cancerous or for cases where there are multiple cysts within the ovary. 

Oophorectomy:

An oophorectomy is a process of the removal of ovaries, either one or two. The surgeons suggest this process when the cyst has caused severe damage to the ovary or if the cyst is malignant. Oophorectomy is also done for women who have a higher risk of ovarian cancer. 

What to Expect: Pre-Surgery:-

Consultation and Evaluation:

Before surgery, you will have a thorough consultation with your gynecologist or surgeon. He/she will do a physical examination of your body based on your past treatments and history. He/she may also order you to perform imaging tests like ultrasounds or MRI scans to check the cyst’s size and its related complications. 

Preoperative Planning:

Before surgery, your doctor might give you several instructions on what to follow or not based on the type of surgery you are undergoing and your overall health. This could include fasting before the surgery, adjusting medications, and avoiding certain activities. For example, 

• The doctors may instruct you not to eat or drink anything for around 8-12 hours before the surgery. 
• When you should take medication, what Medications are required for speedy recovery, and when to follow other things for the same. 
• Also, the time of discharge. As it depends on patient to patient. 

Anesthesia Discussion:

You’ll discuss the type of anesthesia you’ll receive during the surgery. Mostly doctors provide general anesthesia to their patients so that they have a pain-free experience during the treatment.

What to Expect: During and Post-Surgery?

During Surgery:

For laparoscopic surgery, small incisions are made, and the laparoscope and surgical instruments are inserted. The surgeon carefully removes or drains the cyst. For open surgery, a larger incision is made, and the cyst is removed directly. The procedure’s length varies based on factors such as the cyst’s size and complexity.

Recovery and Hospital Stay:

After surgery, you’ll spend some time in the recovery room while the effects of anesthesia wear off. Sometimes the patient has to stay in the hospital for one day or more for the aftercare and treatment. This depends on the type of surgery performed, your health condition, and the way you reacted to that surgery. After any laparoscopic surgery, the patient may be discharged on the same day. 

Postoperative Care:

Your healthcare provider will provide instructions for postoperative care. This might include pain management, wound care, and when it’s safe to resume normal activities. Follow these guidelines closely to ensure a smooth recovery.

Recovery After the Treatment of Surgery for Ovarian Cyst:-

The speed of the recovery depends on the type of surgery undergone. 

• As for Laparoscopic surgery, it just requires only a few hours after the treatment. After a bed rest of a week, the patient will be normal and can perform normal routine activities accordingly. 
• But for other surgeries, it may take a longer time of 2-3 days after the treatment. Extra care is also required in such cases. 

Symptoms of Ovarian Cyst:-

The symptoms of ovarian cysts can vary based on their size and whether they are causing complications or not. Common symptoms of the same include:

• Slow or sharp pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis, especially during periods of intercourse.
• The lower abdomen starts feeling bloated or heavy.
• Irregular periods, heavier or lighter bleeding than usual, or spotting between periods.
• Pain or discomfort during sexual activity.
• Increased urge to urinate or difficulty emptying the bladder completely.

Diagnosis of Ovarian Cysts:-

If you experience persistent symptoms or have concerns, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional. Diagnosing ovarian cysts may involve:

• Physical examination: In order to examine for irregularities, you should go to a doctor, so that he should carry out an exam of the abdomen.
• Ultrasound: For the purpose of determining their size, shape, or composition, ultrasound may help visualize ovaries and cysts. This process uses sound waves to create images of your body’s internal organs. It can detect cysts on your ovaries, including their location and whether they’re primarily fluid or solid.
• Blood tests: To exclude some diseases, hormone levels and tumor markers can be examined. 
• MRI or CT Scans: More details of cysts can be obtained by the use of MRI or CT scans.
• Laparoscopy: It is a surgical procedure that takes place in the operating room. Your provider inserts a camera through an incision (cut) in your abdomen and can view your reproductive organs and pelvic cavity. They may remove the cyst if your doctor diagnoses it at this time.

Treatment of Surgery for Ovarian Cysts:-

The treatment of ovarian cysts depends on their size, type, and the symptoms they cause. Options include:-

• Watchful Waiting: Small, non-threatening cysts might resolve on their own over a few menstrual cycles.
• Taking Medication: Hormonal birth control pills can regulate hormones and prevent new cysts from forming.
• Undergoing Surgery: If a cyst is large, causing severe pain, or not resolving, a surgical procedure might be recommended to remove the cyst while preserving the ovary.
• Laparoscopy: A minimally invasive surgery where a small incision is made to remove or drain the cyst.
• Hysterectomy: In severe cases, where cysts are recurring and causing significant discomfort, the removal of the ovaries might be considered.

Benefits of Treatment of Ovarian Cysts:-

There are three main benefits of the treatment of ovarian cysts. These include the following:-

• After the successful surgery, one may get relief from the pain and excess bleeding that was caused by the cyst.
• Removing the cyst at the initial stages may prevent the chances of becoming a cancerous cell, finally turning into cancer. 
• It also prevents further complications which may turn out to be fatal. 

Risks During the Treatment of Ovarian Cyst:-

Although the success rates of surgeries for Ovarian Cysts are high, still there are still many risks associated with the same. Some of them are:-

• Damage to the urinary bladder
• Damage to the female reproductive system
• Damage to tissue lining 
• Damage to bowels 

Cost of Surgery for Ovarian Cyst:-

The cost of Ovarian Cyst Surgery varies from place to place and depends on many things. Factors affecting the cost of surgery include the following:-

• Location of the hospital
• Hospital status
• Doctors involved in the surgery
• Cost of medications
• Health insurance and other such benefits 

Ovarian cyst surgery is a well-established procedure that can alleviate pain, prevent complications, and improve overall reproductive health. If you have undergone Laparoscopic surgery, the results depend on various factors, including the size and nature of the cyst formed. 

You can approach ovarian cyst surgery with confidence, knowing that you are taking a step towards ensuring your well-being, by understanding the different surgical options and being well-prepared for the procedure and recovery process. If you need personalized advice suited to your specific situation, you should contact your doctor without any hesitation. 

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