All About Minimally Invasive Ovarian Cyst Surgery

Ovarian cysts are common sacs of fluid that form on your ovaries and often go away on their own. Some types can be dangerous, but they can be managed with minimally invasive treatments to protect your ovaries and your health. If you’re getting an ovarian cyst removed, here’s what you should expect from the process.

Dr. Staci McHale and the dedicated medical staff at WHASN Sunset Valley are pleased to serve the women of Las Vegas, Nevada, with various ways to improve and maintain their reproductive health, including the removal of ovarian cysts.

Causes of ovarian cysts

These cysts develop within the ovarian membrane, forming a closed sac that resembles a blister but contains either gaseous, liquid, or semi-solid matter. Unlike an abscess, it doesn’t have pus and, in most cases, is asymptomatic and goes away on its own. These pockets form in the ovaries for various reasons, including:

• Hormones: hormonal changes and drugs that affect them can create functional cysts

• Pregnancy: functional cysts release progesterone during pregnancy, but if they stay after or enlarge, it can be problematic

• Infection: if the ovaries or fallopian tubes are infected, they can form cysts

• Endometriosis: this illness can spread to the ovaries as endometriomas

Several types of cysts can form on the ovaries, and the risk of symptoms and complications varies depending on the type.

How laparoscopic cystectomies work

There are two primary methods of removing ovarian cysts: laparoscopy and laparotomy. Laparoscopic treatment offers the lowest risk and a shorter recovery time. To perform this procedure, we use a laparoscope, a thin tube inserted through the abdomen, to locate and remove the cysts with small tools placed inside.

Then all the tools are removed, and the small abdominal incisions are closed. It’s often done in about an hour, although the time may depend on the complexity of your cyst problems.

Post-procedure aftercare 

After the cysts are removed, some abdominal pain is to be expected, which improves over the next few days. Some fatigue is common for the next day while the anesthetic wears off, and slight vaginal bleeding is common for up to 2 days post-surgery. 

Healing times will vary for each patient, but most feel better after the first week. To help speed up your recovery, try these helpful suggestions:

• Establish and maintain a daily routine
• Eat a nutritious, balanced diet, with fruit, vegetables, and drink plenty of water
• Use gradual exercise to build up abdominal muscle strength
• Avoid lifting or pushing heavy objects for at least a few weeks
• Take the complete dose of prescribed antibiotics 
• Don’t strain yourself with long drives
• If you smoke, quit to prevent wound infection and chest complications

Removing the cysts with laparoscopic surgery is a standard, safe process that can take some time to heal from, but you come away from it in better health. When you’re ready for this or other procedures to maintain your reproductive health, schedule an appointment with Dr. McHale and the WHASN Sunset Valley team.