Surgical treatment for troublesome or persistent ovarian cysts
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs on the ovaries that often resolve on their own. In some cases, removal may be necessary if they cause symptoms or raise concerns.
When might surgery be needed?
Removal may be advised if you have:
- Ongoing or severe pelvic pain
- A cyst that appears large or unusual on scan
- A cyst that doesn’t go away over time
- Concerns about cancer (usually rare)
What does surgery involve?
- Often performed as keyhole (laparoscopic) surgery under general anaesthetic
- A small camera and instruments are inserted via tiny abdominal cuts
- The cyst is removed while preserving the ovary where possible
- Some cases may need open surgery if the cyst is very large
What is the recovery like?
Most women return home the same day or after one night. Discomfort is usually mild and improves quickly. Avoiding strenuous activity for a short period helps aid recovery.
What are the benefits?
- Relieves pain or pressure
- Allows closer analysis of the cyst
- Preserves ovarian function where appropriate
- Improves peace of mind
If you’ve been advised to have an ovarian cyst removed, we’ll explain what’s involved and what to expect during recovery.
