Above a certain size, ovarian cysts can rupture and release their contents into the abdomen, although they do not cause discomfort. In some cases, they can also twist, impeding the blood supply and producing an infarction in the cyst and in the ovary.
When the cyst ruptures or twists, urgent surgery will be necessary, which may have undesirable consequences for the patient, such as the loss of the ovary.
In this sense and in order to avoid later problems, it is advisable to anticipate the complication, scheduling a surgical intervention to remove the cyst.
Minimally invasive surgery to remove the ovarian cyst
If the ovarian cyst is benign, the surgery will be performed laparoscopically, because it is a minimally invasive surgical technique. This type of surgery allows small incisions to be made, without having to open the patient’s abdomen. This type of surgery can also be indicated in malignant cysts.
The procedure followed for this type of surgery is as follows:
- The day before surgery, the patient must follow a soft diet.
- Normally, general anesthesia is applied to perform the laparoscopy.
- Small painless incisions are made near the navel.
- Carbon dioxide is introduced through the incisions to bulge the abdomen. This provides space and visibility for the surgeon.
- The incisions allow the introduction of surgical material for manipulation without having to open the abdomen.
- The laparoscope, which is a tube with a small camera, is inserted through the incision.
- The camera allows visualization of the interior of the abdomen through a screen that is placed in the operating room.
- When the cyst has been removed, the incisions are closed with simple stitches.
- Generally, the patient is discharged the same day of the surgery, but it is advisable not to practice intense exercise during the first week.
What are the advantages of laparoscopic surgery?
This type of surgery has many advantages:
- The patient can be operated on without opening the abdomen.
- The scars are very small and imperceptible, because the incisions are minimal.
- The hospital stay is very short, because generally, the patient can go home the same day of surgery.
- The postoperative period is less painful and requires less medication. In addition, it also reduces the risk of infection.
- Recovery is faster and the patient is usually discharged from the hospital within two weeks.
In this sense, laparoscopic surgery is a great therapeutic option, but it must be performed by specialized professionals with the appropriate experience. Similarly, it is also important to make an accurate diagnosis to differentiate a benign cyst from a malignant cyst.