Laparoscopic Cystectomy

Laparoscopic Cystectomy

An ovarian cystectomy is a surgical procedure to remove cysts on the ovaries. A cyst is a sac of fluid that can develop inside the ovaries. You may have either cancerous or benign ovarian cysts. Your doctor will need to take a biopsy of the ovarian mass to determine if the cyst is cancerous.

Typically, a noncancerous ovarian cyst can be removed while leaving the ovaries intact. If the growths are cancerous, however, you may need an oophorectomy — removal of one or both ovaries.

After excision, new cysts may form — potentially in a previously-unaffected ovary. The only way to completely prevent cyst reformation is to remove the ovaries.

A laparoscopic cystectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that a surgeon performs to remove a cyst, which is a mass or sac containing fluid. When this mass is connected to the ovaries, we call it an ovarian cyst.

Dr.Pulkit Nandwani focuses on laparoscopic surgery. This minimally invasive procedure only requires a couple small incisions in the lower abdomen. A thin, flexible camera is inserted into the abdomen, allowing the surgeon to see the ovary and cysts. Long, thin surgical instruments are then expertly inserted into the incisions to carefully separate the cysts from the healthy ovarian tissue.

Both surgeries are performed under general anesthesia. Generally, an abdominal surgery carries greater risks for infection or damage to tissue. However, it is a better choice when there is a large amount of tissue to be removed, or if the doctor needs to see all of the pelvic organs clearly.

Laparoscopic minimally invasive surgeries usually have quicker healing times and less pain.

A laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy may be a recommended treatment option if:

• The patient has cysts or other masses in both ovaries.
• An ovarian cyst has not shrunk or disappeared after three months.
• A cyst is larger than three inches in diameter.
• A cyst appears to be abnormal or malignant.
• Your doctor suspects ovarian cancer.

If you have an ovarian cyst, your OB/GYN may recommend an ovarian cystectomy if you also:

• Take birth control pills.
• Have not yet started your period (children or teenagers).
• Have already undergone menopause.