Ovarian Cystectomy Melbourne
Dr Hugo Fernandes

Removing Stubborn Ovarian Cysts
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?
Laparoscopic Ovarian Cystectomy


Open Ovarian Cystectomy
Ovarian Cystectomy Risks and Complications
- 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

What are Ovarian Cysts?
- 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?
- 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.


What are the Symptoms of Ovarian Cysts?
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
Compassionate Care
Women’s Health Advocate
Your Ovarian Cystectomy Questions Answered
What is the recovery time after an ovarian cystectomy?
Who is a good candidate for an ovarian cystectomy?
How long do I need to stay in the hospital after an ovarian cystectomy?
What are the side effects of an ovarian cystectomy?
Are there any risks or complications of an ovarian cystectomy?
- 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
