Background Information:

What are the other Names for the Procedure?

Complete Oophorectomy for Cyst Excision
Ovarian Cyst Excision
Partial Oophorectomy for Cyst Excision

What is Ovarian Cyst Removal surgical procedure?

An Ovarian Cyst Removal surgery involves the removal of a cyst, attached to an ovary.

What part of the Body does the Procedure involve?

An Ovarian Cyst Removal surgery involves the ovary and pelvic region of women.

Why is the Ovarian Cyst Removal surgical procedure Performed?

The Ovarian Cyst Removal procedure is performed for repairing a ruptured or twisted ovarian cyst.

What are some Alternative Choices for the Procedure?

A surgery is often the last and decisive treatment option when indicated.

What are the Recent Advances in the Procedure?

An Ovarian Cyst Removal procedure may be performed laparoscopically (using a tube fitted with a
camera), which is a minimally-invasive procedure.

What is the Cost of performing the Ovarian Cyst Removal surgical procedure?
The cost of an Ovarian Cyst Removal procedure depends on a variety of factors, such as the type of your
health insurance, annual deductibles, co-pay requirements, out-of-network and in-network of your
healthcare providers and healthcare facilities.
In many cases, an estimate may be provided before the procedure. The final amount depends upon the
findings during the surgery/procedure and post-operative care that is necessary.

When do you need a Second Opinion, prior to the Procedure?

It is normal for a patient to feel uncomfortable and confused by the information regarding Ovarian
Cyst Removal surgery on what needs to be done
If the patient needs further reassurance or a second opinion, a physician will almost always assist
in recommending another physician
Also, if the procedure involves multiple surgeries or has many alternatives, the patient may take a
second opinion to understand and choose the best one. They can also choose to approach
another physician independently
What are some Helpful Resources?
Complete Guide to Symptoms, Illness & Surgery; Written by H Winter Griffith, M.D.; Revised and updated
by Stephen Moore, M.D. and Kenneth Yoder, M.D.; The Berkley Publishing Group, 5 th Edition, New York,
2006
http://www.surgeryencyclopedia.com/La-Pa/Oophorectomy.html (accessed on 10/31/2014)

Prior to Ovarian Cyst Removal surgical procedure:

How is the Ovarian Cyst Removal surgical procedure Performed?
The Ovarian Cyst Removal surgery may be performed under general anesthesia
The surgeon makes an incision (horizontal/vertical) over the abdomen and dissects through the
layers, until the ovary is visible
The ovarian cyst is removed. This involves a resection of the ovary, either partially or completely
After ensuring that there is no bleeding, the abdomen is closed in layers
The procedure may also be performed laparoscopically (using a tube, fitted with a camera).
After inflating the abdomen with gas, a tube fitted with a camera (laparoscope) is introduced
through a small incision
Further instruments may be inserted via small incisions called ports, and the cyst is removed

Where is the Procedure Performed?

An Ovarian Cyst Removal procedure is performed at a hospital.

Who Performs the Procedure?

The Ovarian Cyst Excision is performed by any of these medical personnel, with or without assistance
from an anesthesiologist:

General surgeon
Obstetrician-gynecologist

How long will the Procedure take?

The Ovarian Cyst Excision procedure may take a few hours.
What do you need to tell your Physician before the Procedure?
It is very important to provide the following information to your healthcare provider. This enables your
healthcare provider in assessing the risks for the Ovarian Cyst Removal procedure and helps avoid
unnecessary complications.

Provide a complete list of medications you are currently, taking to your physician. This information
is useful for a variety of reasons. For example, it can help your healthcare provider prevent
complications due to a drug interaction
If you are allergic to any specific medication or food items
If you are taking blood thinners, such as aspirin, warfarin, herbal supplements, or any other such
medications
If you or your family members, have a history of bleeding disorders, or if there is a tendency to
bleed more than normal
If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, chest pains, or have previously suffered from a heart
attack
If you have ever been diagnosed with blood clots in your leg (deep vein thrombosis) or lung
(embolism of lung)
If you have a history of frequent bone fractures (this may affect bone-healing, if bones are involved
as part of your procedure)
A list of all previous surgical procedures you have undergone, like for example: Removal of
appendix, gallbladder, or any other part, of your body; surgical repair of any body part, such as
hernia repair, perforation of bowel wall, etc.

What Preparations are needed, prior to the Procedure?

The physician may evaluate the individuals medical history to gain a comprehensive knowledge of
the overall health status of the patient including information related to the medications that are
being currently taken
Some medications increase a persons chances of bleeding and it may be recommended to
discontinue them for a period of time, before the procedure is performed
Blood tests may be performed to determine if there is a bleeding tendency or any other medical
conditions that prevents the person from undergoing the procedure
Inform the physician if you are allergic to any local anesthetics, lidocaine, etc.
Avoid application of any cosmetics, deodorant, or topical medicines on the area, prior to the
procedure
It is advisable to quit smoking and the use of any nicotine based products, for a while, before the
surgery
Consumption of alcoholic drinks must also be avoided for a period of time, as instructed
The patient must avoid eating or drinking at least 8 hours prior to the surgical procedure,
depending on when the procedure is arranged
For persons suffering from diabetes, it is important that the blood sugar stays within the normal
range; if not their diabetologist may have to control blood sugar by recommending insulin and/or a
combination of oral medicines
What is the Consent Process before the Procedure?
A physician will request your consent for Ovarian Cyst Removal procedure using an Informed Consent
Form.
Consent for the Procedure: A consent is your approval to undergo a procedure. A consent form is signed
after the risks and benefits of the procedure, and alternative treatment options, are discussed. This
process is called informed consent.
You must sign the forms only after you are totally satisfied by the answers to your questions. In case of
minors and individuals unable to personally give their consent, the individuals legal guardian or next of
kin, shall give their consent for the procedure.

What Tests are needed, before the Ovarian Cyst Removal surgical procedure?
Before an Ovarian Cyst Removal procedure, the patient has to undergo certain tests, such as:

Routine blood and urine analysis

Ultrasound imaging
Computerized tomography (CT scan) of the pelvic organs
Laparoscopy
Culdoscopy
Chest x-ray
Lower abdominal culdocentesis
Lower intestinal tract culdocentesis

What are some Questions for your Physician?

Some of the basic questions that you might ask your physician are as follows:

What is an Ovarian Cyst Removal surgery?

Why is this procedure necessary? How will it help?
How soon should I get it done? Is it an emergency?
Who are the medical personnel involved in this procedure?
Where is the procedure performed?
What are the risks while performing the procedure?
What are the complications that might take place, during recovery?
How long will it take to recover? When can I resume normal work?
How many such procedures have you (the physician) performed?
Are there any follow-up tests, periodic visits to the healthcare facility required, after the procedure?
What are the costs involved?
During the Ovarian Cyst Removal surgical procedure:
What kind of Anesthesia is given, during the Procedure?
General anesthesia by injection and inhalation is administered prior to the Ovarian Cyst Removal
procedure.

How much Blood will you lose, during the Procedure?

Some blood loss may be expected during the Ovarian Cyst Removal procedure.

What are the possible Risks and Complications during the Ovarian Cyst
Removal surgical procedure?
There are general factors that increase the risk of getting complications during surgery and they include:

Obesity: Generally greater the degree of obesity, greater is the surgical risk
Smoking: Longer the smoking history (in pack years smoked), greater the surgical risk
Advancing age
Poorly controlled diabetes, as evidenced by a high hemoglobin A1c and a high fasting glucose
Poorly functioning kidney, as evidenced by increased BUN (blood urea nitrogen) and blood
creatinine
Poorly functioning liver, as evidenced by increased blood liver function tests
Hypertension (increased blood pressure), especially if it is poorly controlled
Poor nutritional status (malnutrition with mineral and vitamin deficiencies)
Poor lung function, as evidenced by abnormal lung function tests
History of bleeding disorders
Longstanding illness, such as autoimmune disorders, chronic infections
Poor immune system due to a variety of causes

The possible risks or complications that may arise during the Ovarian Cyst Removal surgery are:

Excessive bleeding
Infection surrounding the surgical wound
Anesthetic complications

What Post-Operative Care is needed at the Healthcare Facility after the

Ovarian Cyst Removal surgical procedure?
After the surgical procedure, patients will be sent to an area of the hospital, called the
postoperative recovery area or PACU
The patients blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration cycle, will be closely monitored. Any
additional pain associated with the procedure will also be treated
Individuals are usually discharged from the hospital 3-5 days after the surgery is performed
After the Ovarian Cyst Removal surgical procedure:
What are the possible Risks and Complications after the Ovarian Cyst
Removal surgical procedure?
The possible risks and complications that may arise after an Ovarian Cyst Removal procedure include:

Excessive bleeding
Infection in the surgical wound
Excessive scarring, called keloid formation, might occur

What is the Prognosis after the Surgery?

A complete recovery from an Ovarian Cyst Removal procedure is usually achieved. The prognosis is
excellent, without any serious complications being noted.

When do you need to call your Physician?

Do contact your physician if you notice any of the following symptoms:

Pain that worsens and swelling of the surgical wound

Bleeding or fluid drainage from the surgical wound
The occurrence of any symptom that causes uneasiness, such as nausea or vomiting,
constipation, abnormal swelling within the abdomen, or hot flashes
Signs of an infection
Dizziness
Muscle aches, headache
Fever, feeling sick
Complications associated with prescription medications used in treatment

What Post-Operative Care is needed at Home after the Ovarian Cyst Removal
surgical procedure?
At home, the following post-operative care is recommended, after an Ovarian Cyst Removal procedure:

Slowly resume regular/daily activities as early as possible, which aids in a faster recovery
Use a heat pad or warm compress to relieve pain due to the incision
Resume showering and keep the wound clean and dry. Avoid taking baths until the surgical wound
is completely healed. Gently wash the surgical wound with unscented soap and bandage it again
Elevate legs while resting, to prevent the formation of blood clots and reduce the possibility of
swelling
Complete the course of prescribed medication
Take stool softeners to prevent constipation, as advised by your physician
Take antibiotic medication to help combat or prevent infection, per physicians advice
Avoid taking nonprescription medications, such as aspirin. However, individuals may take
acetaminophen to relieve pain (per physicians advice)
Avoid all activities that are physically strenuous for about 6 weeks, as advised by your physician
Avoid sex till complete healing has taken place (under advise by the physician)
Individuals are advised to have to clear liquids immediately after the surgery, until the
gastrointestinal tract begins properly functioning. Then individuals are advised to have a well-
balanced diet, which can aid in a faster recovery
How long does it normally take to fully recover, from the Procedure?
It usually takes approximately 4 weeks to fully recover from an Ovarian Cyst Removal surgical procedure.

Additional Information:
What happens to tissue (if any), taken out during the Procedure?
The tissue is taken for further examination and later disposed as per the standard medical procedure.

When should you expect results from the pathologist regarding tissue taken
out, during the Procedure?
The tissue removed is processed in the laboratory under a pathologist's supervision.
Slide(s) are prepared once the tissue is processed and is examined by a pathologist and a
pathology report issued
Depending on the complexity of the case, issue of the report may take anywhere between 72 hours
to a week's time

Who will you receive a Bill from, after the Ovarian Cyst Removal surgical
procedure?
It is important to note that the number of bills that the patient may receive depends on the arrangement
the healthcare facility has with the physician and other healthcare providers.
Sometimes, the patient may get a single bill that includes the healthcare facility and the consultant
physician charges. Sometimes, the patient might get multiple bills depending on the healthcare provider
involved. For instance, the patient may get a bill from:

The outpatient facility or a physicians clinic/office

An anesthesiologist (if anesthesia was administered)
A pathologist
A general surgeon or a obstetrician-gynecologist

The patient is advised to inquire and confirm the type of billing, before the Ovarian Cyst Removal surgery
is performed.
Thanks and Gratitude:
We sincerely acknowledge and thank Dr. Douglas J. Jones for reviewing the article. His valuable input
and feedback has helped enrich the contents of this article.
Douglas J. Jones, MD FACS
Board Certified General Surgeon and Faculty Member
University of Illinois, College of Medicine at Urbana-Champaign
506 S. Mathews Ave., Urbana, IL 61801, USA

Reviewed and Approved by a member of the DoveMed Editorial Board

First uploaded: Nov. 5, 2014
Last updated: March 14, 2015