Ovarian cyst - laparoscopic cystectomy
- drelyananoordin
- May 2
- 2 min read
This patient was found to have a right ovarian cyst during a medical check-up. The cyst was 6cm. She had an ovarian cystectomy.
What is an ovarian cystectomy?
An ovarian cystectomy is a surgical procedure to remove a cyst from the ovary, while preserving the ovary itself.
What is an ovarian cyst?
An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac that forms in or on the ovary. Many cysts are harmless and go away on their own, but some may:
Grow larger
Cause pain or discomfort
Affect fertility
Require removal
What happens during an ovarian cystectomy?
In simple terms, the surgeon:
Locates the ovary and the cyst
Carefully separates the cyst from normal ovarian tissue
Removes the cyst only, leaving the healthy ovary behind
The goal is to treat the problem while keeping the ovary functioning, especially important for women who wish to preserve fertility.
How is the surgery done?
There are two main approaches: (read more about laparoscopy vs laparotomy)
Laparoscopy (keyhole surgery)
Small cuts are made on the abdomen, and a camera is used.
→ Less pain, smaller scars, faster recovery
Laparotomy (open surgery)
A larger cut is made on the abdomen.
→ Used for larger or more complex cysts
Your doctor will recommend the safest option depending on your condition.
What are the risks?
Although laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy is generally safe, like any surgery, it carries some risks. These include:
Common or minor risks
Pain or discomfort after surgery
Bruising around the wound
Mild bleeding
Infection at the wound site
Less common but important risks
Bleeding during surgery (may rarely require blood transfusion)
Injury to surrounding organs such as the bowel, bladder, or ureter
Damage to the ovary, which may affect ovarian reserve (fertility potential)
Adhesion (scar tissue) formation after surgery
Rare but serious risks
Need to convert to open surgery (laparotomy) if the procedure is difficult or unsafe to continue laparoscopically
Anaesthesia-related complications
Blood clots (e.g., in the legs or lungs)
What to expect after surgery?
Mild to moderate pain for a few days
Hospital stay may be short (especially for laparoscopy)
Gradual return to normal activities
Follow-up to review recovery and results
Why not remove the whole ovary?
In many cases, removing just the cyst is enough. Keeping the ovary helps:
Maintain normal hormones
Preserve fertility
Avoid early menopause (if both ovaries are affected)
In summary
An ovarian cystectomy is a targeted surgery to remove a cyst while protecting the ovary. It is commonly performed and generally safe, especially when done by an experienced surgeon. If you’re advised to undergo this procedure, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor about the approach, risks, and recovery so you feel fully prepared.
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