Ovarian Cystectomy
An ovarian cystectomy is performed during either a laparoscopy or a laparotomy. A laparoscopy involves a smaller incision, but a laparotomy is more often used when there are concerns of cancer, as the larger incision provides a better view of the abdominal and pelvic organs.
During either of the surgeries, which are performed under general anesthesia, the doctor may remove cysts that are causing problems (ovarian cystectomy). These excisions are usually performed if:
The ovarian growths on present on both ovaries
- cyst is larger than three inches in diameter
- a cyst under surveillance doesn’t shrink or dissolve within two to three months
- an ultrasound suggests that the cyst is not merely a functional cyst, and will not dissolve on its own
Although the cysts can be removed, there is no guarantee that a new one will not form on the same ovary, or even on the opposite one. Only the removal of the ovaries (oophorectomy) can fully prevent the growth of any new ovarian cysts. If the cyst is cancerous, the doctor may recommend an oophorectomy, or even a complete hysterectomy, in which the ovaries are removed, along with the fallopian tubes and uterus.
