Prior to Surgery
- You may be asked to stop taking aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), Clopidogrel (Plavix), warfarin (Coumadin), and other blood thinners.
- Ask your doctor which drugs you should still take on the day of the surgery.
- Discuss any possible bleeding disorders or other medical conditions that you may have.
- You will have blood samples taken in case you need a blood transfusion.
- Do not smoke. This will help you to recover quicker.
On the Day of the Surgery
- You will usually be asked not to drink or eat anything after midnight the night before the surgery.
- Take the drugs your doctor told you to take with a small sip of water.
- Your doctor or nurse will tell you when to arrive at the hospital.
After Surgery
- Most patients can go home the same day. In some cases, an overnight stay may be required.
- Expect some soreness around the surgical site during the first 24 to 48 hours following surgery.
- Walking is encouraged, based on your energy level.
- This surgery has a quick recovery with most patients feeling much better within the first few days after surgery.
Recovery: what to expect in the next few weeks
- Most women feel better within the first week following surgery; however, do not lift, push or pull any heavy objects for a few weeks.
- Do not resume sexual intercourse until your doctor says it is OK.
- Full recovery takes about four to six weeks to allow for internal healing.
Ovarian Cysts Q&A
What does ovarian cyst removal involve?
The surgeon makes tiny incisions – one in the navel and three in the lower abdomen. A tiny camera mounted on a tube will be inserted through the navel so that the doctor can see the ovaries and surrounding region. This gives clear visualization of the surgical field and allows access through the other ports to remove cysts.
If the surgery is done using robotics, the gynecologist is 100 percent in control of the surgery, guiding instruments throughout the procedure.
How many incisions are made?
Four tiny incisions are made – one in the navel and three addition sites in the lower abdomen for insertion of the instruments.
How long do I stay in the hospital?
Patients will normally be able to go home the same day, but in some cases, an overnight stay may be required.
What is the recovery time?
Most patients are fully recovered in four to six weeks. If a patient has a physically demanding job that requires lifting or pushing heavy objects, check with the doctor before returning to work.
What reasons would the surgeon have to perform an open surgery instead of a minimally invasive procedure?
The gynecologist may recommend an open procedure due to the size of the cysts or history of prior surgery that has left scar tissue, making visualization of organs with the camera more difficult. If the cysts are extremely large or expected to be malignant, then the physician may recommend an open procedure.
FAQs
Most patients can go home the same day. In some cases, an overnight stay may be required. Expect some soreness around the surgical site during the first 24 to 48 hours following surgery. Walking is encouraged, based on your energy level.
How long does it take to recover from ovarian cyst removal? ›
Ovarian Cyst Removal Recovery Time
After laparoscopic surgery, most patients will go back to work within a week and resume vigorous physical activity, like running, within two weeks. If you've undergone open surgery, you'll need to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity for six weeks.
What happens to your body after ovarian cyst removal? ›
After the ovarian cyst has been removed, you'll feel pain in your tummy, although this should improve in a few days. After a laparoscopy or a laparotomy, it may take as long as 12 weeks before you can resume normal activities.
Is removal of an ovarian cyst a major surgery? ›
Is ovarian cystectomy a major surgery? It depends on what type of surgery you have. If your surgeon can perform the procedure laparoscopically, it's minimally invasive and you'll likely return to your typical activities within two or three weeks. There are still risks to surgery, but they're low.
What are the do's and don ts after ovarian cyst surgery? ›
Don't lift heavy objects: Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for several weeks after surgery. Don't drive immediately: Avoid driving for a few days after surgery or until you are instructed by your doctor. Don't take baths: Avoid taking baths or swimming until your doctor clears you.
Will I lose weight when they remove an ovarian cyst? ›
Will you lose weight after ovarian cysts resolve? Not necessarily. However, if you have PCOS, the correct treatments — which could include medication, dietary supplements, or lifestyle changes — may lead to weight loss. Ovarian cysts can cause some abdominal bloating, which may resolve after they go away.
How many hours is ovarian cyst surgery? ›
They will insert a small thin tube with a camera at the end (a laparoscope) into one of the cuts to view the womb and use thin surgical instruments inserted through the other cut or cuts to remove the cyst. With either technique the surgery typically lasts around one hour.
How much bed rest is required after a laparoscopy? ›
You don't need to stay in bed, but it's best to rest and take it easy for the remainder of the day. After 24 hours, there is no limit on your physical activity as long as you're not taking narcotic medication.
At what point should an ovarian cyst be removed? ›
If the cyst appears suspicious for cancer (based on tests) or if you have risk factors for ovarian cancer. If the suspicion for ovarian cancer is low but the cyst does not resolve after several ultrasounds, you may choose to have it removed after a discussion with your health care provider.
Do hormones change after ovarian cyst removal? ›
Also, the size of the cysts had an influence on the ovarian reserve, only larger ovarian cysts with a diameter of 5 cm or more showed a statistically significant reduction in anti-Müllerian hormone. Our data showed a significant decrease in anti-Müllerian hormone levels after surgery on the ovaries.
Expect some soreness around the surgical site during the first 24 to 48 hours following surgery. Walking is encouraged, based on your energy level. This surgery has a quick recovery with most patients feeling much better within the first few days after surgery.
Can I sleep on my side after ovarian cyst removal? ›
Sleeping in a semi-upright position is recommended, using a few pillows to elevate the head and shoulders to avoid putting pressure on the abdominal area. Avoid sleeping on your stomach or the side where the incisions were made.
Is a 4 cm ovarian cyst big? ›
In general, an enlargement of the ovary cyst beyond 4 cm can cause persistent discomfort. It would, therefore, alert a patient and their doctor of a possible problem. It is critical to follow these ovarian cysts to rule out possible conditions such as endometriosis or ovarian cancer.
What foods to avoid after ovarian cyst removal? ›
Fermented foods: Absolutely do not use these foods because they will irritate the incision and create conditions for bacteria to grow, causing infection. Sour and spicy food: Is one of the foods you need to avoid because it is easy to stimulate and prolong the healing time of the incision, causing pain for the patient.
How do you sleep after ovarian cyst removal? ›
Sleeping on your stomach
The doctors do not recommend sleeping on the stomach after the surgery. This position can hurt your spine and can also pressurize the hip area. Try to control your sleeping habits if you are a stomach sleeper. It is best to sleep on your side or back.
What size ovarian cyst is considered large? ›
We don't usually consider surgery unless a cyst is larger than 50-60mm (5-6cm) although that may depend on what the cyst looks like and what symptoms it causes. Ovarian cysts are so common that nearly every woman will have one at some stage in her life. Many women will have no problems related to the cyst.
How painful is cyst removal recovery? ›
After your cyst has been removed, you may experience some pain, discomfort, or swelling around the incision area, which will subside over time. Your skin Doctor will give you instructions on how to care for the wound. After the cyst removal, you should: Keep the area clean and dry at least 24 hours after the procedure.
How long does pain last after an ovarian cyst? ›
If your ruptured ovarian cyst is not complex, you will likely continue your care at home. You can use pain medicines as needed. Your pain should go away in a few days. Let your provider know right away if you your pain gets worse, if you feel dizzy, or have new symptoms.
