What is a laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy?
A laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy is the removal of a cyst from the ovary through keyhole incisions (cuts) without removing the whole ovary.
What does the operation involve?
The procedure is performed under a general anaesthetic through three keyhole incisions that are 0.5 to 1 cm long. Gas is then blown into the pelvis in order to give the surgeon access to the ovaries. A camera and special surgical instruments (laparoscope) are then inserted. The ovarian cyst is identified and peeled away from the ovary. Usually there is a normal quantity of healthy ovarian tissue left at the end of the operation so the operation should leave women fully fertile.
The cyst, once separated, is removed from the abdomen through one of the ‘keyhole’ incisions. Once the cyst has been removed, the incisions will be closed up using dissolvable stitches.
What is the recovery after surgery?
The operation is usually performed as a day-case; the patient will go home on the same day. Recovery from any surgery varies considerably between individuals. There may be some bruising of the abdominal wall which can take about a week to settle and most women get some aching and mild discomfort for 48 hours; on average women take about three or four days off work and delay driving for 48–72 hours.