Ovarian Cyst Surgery
Most ovarian cysts are harmless and disappear on their own. Surgery is for cysts that persist, grow, cause pain, or have features that need them removed. Where an operation is needed, the aim is to remove the cyst and leave the ovary.
- Most cysts need watching, not surgery
- Keyhole approach in most cases
- Healthy ovarian tissue preserved
- Home within a day or two
Stay
Day care to 2 days
Duration
45 to 90 minutes
Anaesthesia
General
About Ovarian Cyst Surgery
Simple cysts under about five centimetres in a premenopausal woman usually resolve within a few cycles and are watched with a repeat scan. Surgery is considered for persistent, large or symptomatic cysts, and for those with concerning features on ultrasound. Cystectomy removes the cyst while preserving the ovary, which matters for fertility and hormone function.
- Most simple cysts resolve within a few cycles
- A repeat scan avoids many unnecessary operations
- Cystectomy preserves the ovary; oophorectomy removes it
- Sudden severe pain may mean torsion, which is an emergency
Before you read on
Everything here is general information about ovarian cyst surgery. Whether it suits you, and how it would be done in your case, is a decision for your doctor after examining you.
Your consultant's instructions always take precedence over anything written on this page.
When is it recommended?
Situations in which a doctor may suggest ovarian cyst surgery.
- Persistent ovarian cyst on repeat scanning
- Large cysts causing pain or pressure
- Cysts with concerning features on ultrasound
- Endometriotic cysts affecting fertility or pain
- Suspected ovarian torsion, which is urgent
- Cysts in postmenopausal women
Procedure details
The usual sequence, from first consultation through to follow-up.
Assessment
Ultrasound, often repeated after a few cycles, with blood tests where the appearance needs further characterisation.
Deciding on surgery
Size, appearance, symptoms, your age and your fertility plans all feed into whether and what to operate on.
Surgery
Laparoscopic removal of the cyst, preserving healthy ovarian tissue wherever the appearance allows.
Histology and follow-up
The cyst is sent for testing, results discussed at follow-up, and further scanning arranged where indicated.
How to prepare
What to sort out before you come in.
- Bring all previous scans, as change over time is important
- Be clear about your fertility plans, as they influence what is removed
- Discuss beforehand what should happen if the appearance is unexpected
- Fasting from midnight as instructed
- Arrange somebody to take you home and help for a few days
Recovery
What to expect afterwards, and roughly when.
- Most women go home the same day or the next
- Shoulder tip pain from the gas for a day or two is normal
- Return to desk work in about a week, physical work in two to three
- Periods may be irregular for a cycle or two afterwards
- Histology results are discussed at a follow-up appointment
Why choose Humayun for ovarian cyst surgery
The best outcome in cyst surgery is often not operating, and where surgery is needed, keeping the ovary.
- Repeat scanning before operating, since most simple cysts resolve on their own
- Cystectomy preferred to removing the ovary, which preserves fertility and hormone function
- Keyhole approach wherever the appearance allows
- Urgent access for suspected torsion, where the ovary can be saved only if treated quickly
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