What is Ovarian Cystectomy?
Ovarian cystectomy is a surgical procedure performed to remove an ovarian cyst while preserving the affected ovary. It is commonly used to treat various types of ovarian cysts, including functional cysts, endometriomas, and certain benign cystic tumors. The goal of the procedure is to alleviate symptoms, prevent complications, and preserve ovarian function.
When will you be advised Ovarian Cystectomy?
It is considered in the following situations:
- Persistent or large ovarian cysts: Ovarian cysts that persist over time, cause significant pain, or grow larger than a certain threshold may require surgical removal.
- Suspected malignancy: If there are concerns about the possibility of ovarian cancer or other malignant conditions, an ovarian cystectomy may be performed to obtain a tissue sample for further evaluation.
- Symptoms and complications: Ovarian cysts that cause severe pain, torsion (twisting), rupture, or interfere with normal ovarian function may require surgical intervention.
- Fertility preservation: In cases where fertility is a concern, such as for women planning to conceive in the future, ovarian cystectomy can remove the cyst while preserving the healthy ovarian tissue.
Advantages of doing an Ovarian Cystectomy:
- Symptom relief: Ovarian cystectomy can alleviate pain, discomfort, and other symptoms associated with ovarian cysts, improving the quality of life.
- Preservation of ovarian function: By preserving the healthy ovarian tissue, ovarian cystectomy aims to maintain hormonal balance and fertility potential.
- Fertility preservation: Ovarian cystectomy allows women to preserve their fertility by removing the cyst while leaving the ovary intact.
Risk associated with Ovarian Cystectomy surgery:
- Infection: There is a small risk of infection following surgery, which can be minimized with proper sterile techniques and postoperative care.
- Bleeding: While rare, there is a potential risk of bleeding during or after the procedure, which may require further interventions.
- Injury to surrounding structures: There is a slight risk of inadvertent injury to nearby structures, such as the bladder, bowel, or blood vessels. However, experienced surgeons take precautions to minimize these risks.