15/03/2024
Ovarian Cyst Surgery: Everything You Need to Know
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that can develop in women in their reproductive years or, rarely, after menopause. The first line of treatment for ovarian cysts is diagnosing the specific type of cyst using ultrasound and blood work. The most common treatment is watchful waiting, unless the cyst is found to be large or is causing symptoms. Ovarian cysts generally go away over a few weeks without intervention.1
Your doctor will determine how often to monitor the cysts. For women with chronic, painful cysts, hormonal birth control may be recommended in addition to pain medicine.2
A surgeon looking at an operating table
What Is Ovarian Cyst Surgery?
Patients with large cysts, painful symptoms, or suspicious imaging may be recommended for ovarian cyst surgery. Ovarian cyst surgery is the removal of cysts from the ovaries either through small incisions (laparoscopically) or through one larger incision (laparotomy) in the abdomen. About 8% of women with ovarian cysts develop cysts large enough to require treatment.2
Potential Risks
As with any surgery, there are risks with ovarian cyst removal surgery, including:3
Ovarian cysts may return after surgery
Pain may not be controlled
Scar tissue (adhesions) may form at the surgical site, on the ovaries or fallopian tubes, or in the pelvis
Infection
Damage to the bowel or bladder
Will Ovarian Cysts Return After Surgery?
The only way to guarantee that ovarian cysts will not return is to surgically remove the ovaries, initiating menopause (having no monthly periods).3 The cause of the ovarian cysts is crucial in determining whether it’s possible for cysts to recur.
Purpose of Ovarian Cyst Surgery
The purpose of ovarian cyst surgery is to remove the cysts that are either causing symptoms or are cancerous. Removing the cysts does not mean they will not return over time. It’s important to discuss fertility with your doctor prior to surgery because removing the ovaries or damaging the ovaries during surgery can affect your ability to get pregnant naturally. However, even if both ovaries are removed due to cysts, it’s still possible to carry a baby using in vitro fertilization.
For women who are diagnosed with ovarian cancer, typically the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes are removed, which would make pregnancy impossible. The risk of ovarian cancer increases with age, especially for women with ovarian cysts after menopause or with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer.2
Cysts naturally occur throughout a woman’s menstrual cycle during her reproductive years. Many women do not even know they have a cyst until it causes pain or symptoms, or it is found with a diagnostic test.
Cysts can also be associated with endometriosis, in which the tissue lining the inside of the uterus grows outside of it, or polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal disorder that causes enlarged ovaries with small cysts. When the cysts are caused by either condition, it can lead to fertility issues.2
How Often Do People Need Ovarian Cyst Surgery?
It’s estimated that only 5%–10% of ovarian cysts require surgical removal, and of those removed, only 13%–21% are found to be cancerous.2
How to Prepare
This surgery may be considered an elective procedure and will be scheduled through your doctor’s office in advance. For ruptured ovarian cysts, there may be blood and fluid loss, necessitating an emergency surgery for cyst removal. You should expect to take a few days off from work for the procedure and for the recovery period after the surgery.
What Foods Should I Avoid with Ovarian Cysts?
Specific foods may help with ovarian cysts, which can be associated with PCOS or a hormone imbalance. There are many websites and anecdotal stories about specific diets curing ovarian cysts by eating certain foods. However, research studies have not supported any claims of food curing ovarian cysts.
Location
Ovarian cyst removal takes place in a hospital operating room or outpatient surgical center.
Food and Drink