The removal of an ovarian cyst by surgery entirely depends upon the characteristics of the one under question. The size, type and location play an important part in the treatment that is given for the same. The ovarian cysts may be solid, filled with fluids or irregular in the shape. Any cyst having a radius of more than 1 inch has to be removed with the help of surgery. Pain is the biggest element that is caused by an ovarian cyst. It can rupture or lead to a twist of the ovaries. The cyst is known to become malignant with age. Delays in the treatment can lead to surgery becoming unavoidable.
Excessive uses of alcohol or medications are some of the risks that are involved with the procedure of surgery associated with removing a cyst. A pregnant patient can have much larger complications. The doctor has to analyze the condition of the patient before undergoing surgery keeping in mind the past records of any other surgery in the affected area.
The removed tissue is sent to the pathology laboratories to test for malignancy. This is important to find if there is a possibility of cancer spreading in the body of the patient. It becomes necessary to get both the ovaries removed in case of the positive result. The kins of the patient should be present to discuss the matter with the doctor as it is a matter of severe health issue and the actions can lead to infertility.
The recovery depends upon the type of surgery undertaken by the medical team. The laparoscopic method, in which small incisions are made in the abdominal area, is a faster recovery method. Under this kind of surgery, a thin lighted tube is inserted into the abdomen though the incisions to locate the cyst. Once this is done, the instruments are inserted through two more holes created for the same purpose. After the cyst is successfully removed and the removal of the ovaries in case of a cancerous cyst is done, the incisions or the holes are stitched back.
The old method of undergoing an open surgery can be done in some cases. In this kind of surgery, the abdominal muscles are separated by creating an incision in the abdomen. The vessels supplying blood to the ovaries is shut down by clamping process. Since the internal organs are easily accessible to the doctors in this type of surgery, the cyst can be easily removed following which, the area is stitched back. Compared to the laparoscopic method, which takes only a couple of days to heel, this treatment will take more time (7-10 days) and is also more painful.
As in the case of other surgeries, the post operation caring is necessary. There are a set of DO’s and DON’T’s that come with an ovarian cyst surgery. A certain set of abdominal exercises are recommended by the doctors, they generally include elevation of the legs. The intake of pain killers can be stopped after a week or so as the pain then becomes bearable. Any activity that leads to added strain in the abdominal area should be avoided in the weeks to come in order to let the healing process complete efficiently. Sexual intercourse is an absolute taboo, avoidance of tampons and bending have to be done until the doctor gives a nod for the same.
The daily routine practices can be resumed after a couple of weeks of the surgery. It is recommended to take proper care of the incision area while carrying out bathing activities etc. which can lead to septic. The process of refitting in the daily schedule should be slow and one should give time to the body to recover in order to avoid complication that may arise due to lack of care in the future.