Ovarian Cyst Surgery

Ovarial cystis a fluid-filled sac in the ovary. Most of the time they are benign, usually asymptomatic and disappear without treatment. However, in some cases, ovarian cysts can enlarge, rupture or rotate, causing severe pain. They can also be a sign of more serious conditions, such as ovarian cancer. Therefore, surgical intervention may be necessary, especially for large cysts, suspicious cysts or cysts that show symptoms. Ovarian cyst surgeryis surgery to remove these cysts.

Causes of Ovarian Cysts

Ovarian cysts can form in the ovaries for various reasons. The most common causes are:

• Functional Cysts: Cysts that form as part of the menstrual cycle and are usually harmless. There are types such as follicular cyst and corpusluteum cyst.
• Endometriosis: Cysts are formed when intrauterine tissue grows outside the uterus in different organs, including the ovaries.
• PolycysticOver Syndrome (PCOS): It is a hormonal disorder that causes multiple cysts to form in the ovaries.
• Ovarian Cancer: Although rare, it is possible for ovarian cysts to develop into cancer. Cysts with suspected cancer usually require surgical intervention.
• Infections: Ovarian infections can also lead to cyst formation.

When is Ovarian Cyst Surgery Necessary?

Not all ovarian cysts require surgical intervention. However, ovarian cyst surgery can be performed in the following cases:

• Growing Cysts: If the cyst is large or growing rapidly, this can lead to pain, pressure or other complications.
• Severe Pain: If the cyst causes abdominal pain, pelvic pain or pain during sexual intercourse.
• Cyst Rupture: When the cyst ruptures, severe pain and internal bleeding may occur, requiring urgent surgical intervention.
• Cyst Rotation (Torsion): An ovarian cyst can cause the ovary to rotate. This is an emergency and is usually treated surgically.
• Suspected Cancer: Especially in postmenopausal women, suspicious cysts can often be a sign of cancer, in which case surgery is recommended.

Types of Ovarian Cyst Surgery

Different surgical methods are used to remove ovarian cysts. The type of surgery depends on the size, type and location of the cyst:

1. Laparoscopic Surgery (Closed Surgery):
   • Laparoscopic surgery is a type of surgery performed through small incisions. With this method, a laparoscope is inserted into the abdomen to remove the cyst.
   • Laparoscopic surgery usually leads to less pain, faster recovery and better aesthetic results.
   • This is the first choice surgical technique in most cases.
2. Laparotomy (Open Surgery):
   • Laparotomy is a type of surgery with larger incisions and is usually used when larger cysts need to be removed.
   • Open surgery is more invasive than laparoscopic surgery and recovery may be slightly longer.
3. Transvaginal Surgery:
   • Sometimes it is also possible to remove the cyst vaginally. This is usually the case for small cysts.
   • Transvaginal surgery is a procedure performed vaginally, without external incisions.

How the Surgery is Performed

Ovarian cyst surgery is usually performed in the following steps:

1. Anesthesia: It is usually performed under general anesthesia, which ensures that the patient is completely asleep.
2. Making Incisions:
   • In laparoscopic surgery, 2-3 small incisions are usually made in the abdomen. A laparoscope is inserted into one of these incisions and the cyst is removed.
   • A laparotomy involves making a larger incision and removing the cyst.
3. Removal of the cyst: The cyst is carefully removed from the ovary. If the cyst is cancerous, the surrounding tissue may also be removed.
4. Ovarian Protection: If the cyst is benign and only the cyst is removed, the ovary is usually preserved. In the case of cancerous cysts, the ovary can also be removed.
5. Incision Closure: At the end of the operation, the incision site is closed with sutures.

Postoperative Recovery

Postoperative recovery depends on the surgical method used, the general health of the patient and the complexity of the surgery:

• Length of Hospitalization: Patients can usually stay in the hospital for 1-2 days after an operation performed with laparoscopic surgery. Patients undergoing open surgery may stay in hospital for longer.
• Pain Management: After surgery, pain is usually controlled with painkillers. Pain may be milder after laparoscopic surgery.
• Physical Activity: Patients can return to normal activities within a few days. However, it is recommended to avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activities.
• Control Appointments: After the surgery, the doctor follows the patient and monitors the healing process and checks for any complications.

Risks and Complications of Ovarian Cyst Surgery

As with any surgical intervention, ovarian cyst surgery carries some risks:

• Infection: There is a risk of infection after surgery, but it can be treated with antibiotics.
• Bleeding: Bleeding may occur during removal of the cyst.
• Ovarian Injury: In rare cases, the ovary may be damaged during surgery.
• Adhesions: Adhesions may form in the abdomen after surgery. This can cause problems or pain in future pregnancies.
• Cyst Recurrence: In some cases, especially for benign cysts, the cyst can form again.