Laparoscopic Ovarian Cystectomy
Small incisions, precision removal of the cyst, and careful preservation of the ovary whenever possible—tailored to your symptoms, goals, and fertility plans.
Laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy removes a cyst from the ovary through tiny incisions using a camera and fine instruments. The goal is to treat pain, pressure, or persistent/complex cysts while preserving as much healthy ovarian tissue as possible. Many cases are outpatient with faster recovery than open surgery. Pathology confirms the cyst type after removal.
Fast Facts About Laparoscopic Cystectomy
Outpatient minimally invasive surgery under general anesthesia
Preserves healthy ovary when feasible; cyst is sent to pathology
Helps with pain, pressure, torsion risk, and infertility in select cases
Typical recovery: light activity in a few days; full activity in 1–2 weeks
Shoulder-tip gas pain and bloating are common for 24–72 hours
Who It May Help
- Symptomatic simple or complex ovarian cysts that do not resolve
- Endometriomas affecting pain or fertility plans
- Large cysts at risk for torsion or rupture
- Persistent cysts on serial imaging
- Cysts with indeterminate features where removal is preferred
How It Works
After small ports are placed and the abdomen is gently inflated with CO₂, a camera guides precise dissection of the cyst from ovarian tissue. The cyst is typically placed in a retrieval bag and removed through a small incision. Hemostasis is secured, and the ovary may be closed with fine sutures as needed. When indicated and consented, related findings (e.g., endometriosis implants or adhesions) can be treated in the same setting.
Candidacy & Alternatives
Good candidates have a cyst that is symptomatic, persistent, large, or complex on imaging, or that impacts fertility goals. We may defer surgery for small, simple, asymptomatic cysts that are likely to resolve. Alternatives include observation with repeat ultrasound, hormonal suppression to reduce recurrence in specific cyst types, aspiration in limited scenarios, or oophorectomy when ovarian preservation is not appropriate. Very large or suspicious masses may require an open approach. Plans are individualized to imaging features, tumor markers when obtained, age, and fertility priorities.
Cystectomy vs. Other Options
Laparoscopic Cystectomy
- Removes the cyst while preserving ovarian tissue
- Outpatient with small incisions and faster recovery
- Pathology confirms diagnosis
- Supports fertility when preservation is feasible
Oophorectomy
- Removes the entire ovary
- Considered if cyst is not separable or malignancy is suspected
- Eliminates recurrence from that ovary
- Reduces ovarian reserve/hormone output if premenopausal
Observation/Medical
- Avoids surgery for likely benign, self-resolving cysts
- Requires follow-up imaging and symptoms monitoring
- No tissue diagnosis
- Does not help large, persistent, or torsion-prone cysts
What to Expect
Most patients go home the same day. Expect 3–4 small incisions closed with dissolvable sutures or skin adhesive. Soreness, bloating, and shoulder-tip pain are common for several days. Many return to desk work in 2–5 days, with exercise and heavy lifting delayed until cleared—often ~1–2 weeks depending on the extent of surgery. If a uterine manipulator is used, light vaginal spotting can occur briefly.
Safety & Considerations
Typical effects include temporary abdominal soreness, bloating, and fatigue. Uncommon risks include bleeding, infection, injury to nearby organs or blood vessels, need to convert to open surgery, adhesion formation, or cyst recurrence. Endometrioma excision can impact ovarian reserve; we balance pain relief and fertility preservation and discuss strategies to protect ovarian tissue. Pathology review guides follow-up.
Before Your Visit
- ✓Follow fasting and medication instructions from anesthesia
- ✓Arrange a ride home and help for 24 hours
- ✓Share prior imaging, lab results, and surgery records
- ✓Ask about holding anticoagulants or supplements that affect bleeding
- ✓Plan for a few days of lighter activity and over-the-counter pain control
Frequently Asked Questions
1Will removing the cyst affect my fertility?
Cystectomy is designed to preserve healthy ovarian tissue and can improve fertility in select cases (e.g., relieving mass effect or addressing endometriomas). We tailor technique to protect ovarian reserve and discuss risks before surgery.
2Could the cyst be cancer?
Pre-operative imaging and, when indicated, tumor markers help assess risk. Most ovarian cysts in reproductive-age patients are benign. The removed cyst is sent to pathology for confirmation, and we modify the plan if findings suggest higher risk.
3How long is recovery?
Many patients resume light activity within a few days and regular activity in ~1–2 weeks, depending on the extent of surgery and individual healing.
4Will the cyst come back?
Some cyst types can recur, particularly functional cysts or endometriomas. Ongoing monitoring and, when appropriate, medical therapy may help reduce recurrence risk.
5What are the scars like?
Incisions are small—often one at the belly button and one to two tiny side ports. With proper care and sun protection, most fade to faint lines over time.
6When can I exercise or have intercourse again?
Light walking is encouraged right away. Avoid heavy lifting, high-impact workouts, swimming, hot tubs, and intercourse until cleared—often about 1–2 weeks depending on your procedure and healing.
Considering Minimally Invasive Removal of an Ovarian Cyst?
We'll review your imaging, discuss fertility goals, and plan a precise laparoscopic approach that prioritizes safety, recovery, and ovarian preservation.
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