Ovarian Cystectomy Melbourne

Dr Hugo Fernandes

Keyhole surgery solutions for ovarian cyst removal.
Ovarian Cystectomy Melbourne

Removing Stubborn Ovarian Cysts

Many women will be walking around in their day-to-day lives, and never even know that they have or have had an ovarian cyst. These cysts are sacs, typically filled with fluid, that grow inside an ovary or on its surface. Developing an ovarian cyst is extremely common, and in most cases, cysts are completely harmless. You will likely feel little to no discomfort or pain whatsoever, and the cyst will go away on its own within a few months without treatment.

There are situations, however, where having an ovarian cyst can cause complications. Particularly large cysts can cause severe pelvic pain, sharp pains below the belly button, abnormal bloating, and a feeling of pressure or heaviness in your abdomen. Ovarian cysts can also become twisted or rupture, causing them to burst open and cause more serious health problems.

Fortunately, if an ovarian cyst isn’t going away quietly and is causing you problems, an ovarian cystectomy can handle the situation swiftly. In some cases, before proceeding with an ovarian cystectomy, a hysteroscopy may be performed to further investigate the situation and provide a detailed view of the uterus.

What is an Ovarian Cystectomy?

If an ovarian cyst won’t go away, grows larger, or causes pain, then your doctor may refer you to a gynaecologist for an ovarian cystectomy. This procedure is extremely safe and straightforward. It is designed to remove ovarian cysts safely and quickly, providing a surgical solution for cysts that won’t disappear on their own. In many cases, it is possible to do this as a minor and minimally invasive keyhole surgery, however more severe cases could require a slightly larger operation. You will be recommended one of two cystectomy operations: a laparoscopic cystectomy, or an open cystectomy. An experienced gynaecologist or fertility specialist in Melbourne will be able to examine your cyst and current health to better advise you on which method may be most appropriate.

Laparoscopic Ovarian Cystectomy

A laparoscopic cystectomy uses thin tools to view your reproductive and pelvic organs with only minimal, small surgical incisions being necessary. Your surgeon will insert a laparoscope, which is a tiny camera with a light on top, into your abdomen through this small incision. From there, they can get a comprehensive view of the inside of your abdomen. Typically, with just two other small incisions, your surgeon will then insert surgical tools to remove the ovarian cyst safely. This procedure is straightforward, commonly practiced, and usually the best course of action for most cysts in need of removal.
Laparoscopic Ovarian Cystectomy Melbourne
Melbourne Ovarian Cystectomy

Open Ovarian Cystectomy

Surgeons will typically recommend a laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy when they can, as this operation is minimally invasive and easier to recover from in a short amount of time. However, there are circumstances in which an open ovarian cystectomy is needed. This could be because the ovarian cyst itself is particularly large, or it may be because they suspect it may be cancerous. Either way, this procedure will be completed using one large incision in your abdomen to gain access to your ovaries and remove the cyst.

Ovarian Cystectomy Risks and Complications

There’s no need to be scared going into your ovarian cystectomy. It’s important to remember that this procedure is incredibly common, and your surgeon will likely have performed plenty of cystectomies in their time. Laparoscopic ovarian cystectomies will be relatively quick and easy to recover from, and likely will have very few side effects. However, every surgery will inherently come with some small risks. Your surgeon will be able to walk you through all these associated risks, which will include:

  • Infection
  • Blood clots
  • Poor reaction to anaesthesia
  • Bleeding during surgery
  • Requiring a blood transfusion
  • Damage to surrounding organs, such as the bladder and bowel
  • Possible need to remove the ovary
  • Possible need for further surgical treatments
Melbourne Ovarian Cystectomy

What are Ovarian Cysts?

An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac or pouch that forms on the ovary. The term is used to describe several different types of growth, including:

  • Follicular Cyst – when the follicle wall expands around a mature egg rather than bursting or when it doesn’t retract if it’s unsuccessful.
  • Corpus Luteum Cyst – when the follicle sac doesn’t dissolve after releasing an egg and the opening of the corpus luteum seals shut.
  • Dermoid Cyst – an abnormal growth that contains fat, hair, and other tissue. This is not a fertilised egg or a foetus.
  • Cystadenomas – a non-cancerous growth that can develop on the outer surface of the ovaries.
  • Endometriomas – when tissue that normally grows on the inside of the uterus develops on the outside and attaches to ovarian tissue.

Cysts are common in women of childbearing age and are relatively harmless in most cases, often resolving on their own. Many women will be walking around in their day-to-day lives, and never even know that they have or have had an ovarian cyst. If you do not present with symptoms, they’re often diagnosed during routine pelvic examinations (such as pap smears).

What Causes Ovarian Cysts?

It is important to remember that ovarian cysts are common and quite normal. They have many potential causes, including:

  • Hormonal Issues – including those caused by drugs that help you ovulate. These functional cysts normally go away on their own.
  • Endometriosis – when tissue that normally grows on the inside of the uterus develops on the outside, which causes severe pain during menstruation and intercourse. This condition is the cause of endometriomas.
  • Pregnancy – it is not uncommon for cysts to develop during early pregnancy to help support it until the placenta forms, but if they do not resolve themselves later on they may need to be removed.
  • Severe Pelvic Infections – an infection that spreads to the ovaries and/or fallopian tubes can also cause cysts to develop.
Melbourne Ovarian Cyst
Ovarian Cystectomy Clinic Melbourne

What are the Symptoms of Ovarian Cysts?

Ovarian cysts are often symptomless, but some people do experience variable abdominal pain and other issues. Previously symptomless cysts may also begin to present with symptoms as they grow larger.

Symptoms may include:

  • A dull ache, pressure, or heaviness in the pelvis and/or abdomen.
  • Abdominal bloating or swelling.
  • Painful bowel movements.
  • Pain during intercourse.
  • Breast tenderness.
  • Pain in the thighs and/or lower back.
  • Pelvic pain before and/or during ovulation and/or menstruation. 

 

Particularly large ovarian cysts can cause severe pelvic pain, sharp pains below the belly button, abnormal bloating, and a feeling of pressure or heaviness in the abdomen. Cysts can also become twisted or rupture, known as ovarian torsion, causing them to burst open and leading to more serious health problems. 

Your GP may recommend further tests (such as a vaginal ultrasound, CT, or MRI scan) to get a better idea of the type of cyst they’re dealing with. For peri or post-menopausal women, blood tests may be ordered to measure tumour markers within the cyst.

Ovarian Cyst Treatment Melbourne

If you are prone to developing growths, you may be prescribed hormonal treatment (such as birth control pills) to help reduce the formation of new ovarian cysts.

While most ovarian cysts will often go away on their own within a few months without treatment, there are situations where they can cause complications. If a cyst isn’t going away quietly and is causing you problems or if your GP suspects ovarian cancer, surgical excision can handle the situation swiftly.

Ovarian Cyst Surgery Melbourne

This procedure is extremely common and straightforward. It is designed to remove ovarian cysts quickly, providing a surgical option for cysts that won’t disappear on their own. In many cases, it is possible to do this as a minor and minimally invasive keyhole surgery, however, more severe cases could require a slightly larger operation. You will be recommended one of two cystectomy operations: Laparoscopic Cystectomy or an Open Cystectomy.

An experienced gynaecologist or fertility consultant in Melbourne can examine your cyst and current health to better advise you on which method may be most appropriate. In some cases, a hysteroscopy may be performed first to further investigate the situation and provide a detailed view of the uterus.

Why choose Dr Hugo?

20 Years Experience

Experience is key. For the sake of your health, it is crucial to work with a surgeon you can trust – and with over two decades of experience providing unparalleled care, you will be comfortable in the hands of Dr Hugo Fernandes.

Compassionate Care

You deserve to feel secure when you visit your GP. Dr Hugo has prioritised creating a comfortable and welcoming environment inside his fertility clinic, dedicating his life to providing patient, compassionate, and understanding care to help you feel comfortable.

Women’s Health Advocate

For over 20 years, Dr Hugo has been a vocal advocate for the importance of women’s health services. He has achieved this by actively listening to his patients, making crucial services readily available, and providing tailored treatment to suit individual patient needs.

Your Ovarian Cystectomy Questions Answered

What is the recovery time after an ovarian cystectomy?

Most women will find that they need to take it easy during their first week after a cystectomy, as they may experience feelings of tiredness or discomfort. After that period, you will be able to start gradually easing back into your routine.

Who is a good candidate for an ovarian cystectomy?

To be recommended an ovarian cystectomy, you will need to have gone through an official diagnostic test to confirm the presence of a cyst. If your cyst is causing you pain, could be cancerous, or is abnormally large, then a cystectomy may be the right treatment.

How long do I need to stay in the hospital after an ovarian cystectomy?

In the vast majority of cases, a cystectomy is a day procedure. This means you will come in for the operation and go home all on the same day. Only in particular circumstances, such as if there are surgical complications, will you need to stay longer.

What are the side effects of an ovarian cystectomy?

It is normal to experience some pain or bruising in the abdomen following your cystectomy. You may find yourself feeling tired, sore, and tender around the incision site. Your surgeon will provide personalised advice regarding when to return to work, exercise, sexual activity, and other routines.

Are there any risks or complications of an ovarian cystectomy?

There’s no need to be scared going into your ovarian cystectomy. It’s important to remember that this procedure is incredibly common, and your surgeon will likely have performed plenty of cystectomies in their time. However, every surgery inherently comes with some small risks. Your surgeon will be able to walk you through all these, which include:

  • Infection
  • Blood clots
  • Poor reaction to anaesthesia
  • Bleeding during surgery
  • Requiring a blood transfusion
  • Damage to surrounding organs, such as the bladder and bowel
  • Possible need to remove the ovary
  • Possible need for further surgical treatments

Suspect You Have Ovarian Cysts? Call Today for an Appointment with Dr Hugo Fernandes

Hearing that you need any type of surgery, no matter how minor or common the procedure may be, is intimidating. It’s natural to be fearful about the process, the side effects, the recovery – all of it! Fortunately, going through an ovarian cyst journey isn’t something you have to do alone. Dr Hugo Fernandes is ready to walk with you every step of the way, answering questions and providing personalised treatment to suit your needs. If you think you may need an ovarian cystectomy, call today and book your appointment.
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