Ovarian Cyst Removal—Open Surgery

by Cynthia M. Johnson, MA

Definition

Ovarian cyst removal is surgery to remove one or more cysts from one or both ovaries. Open surgery uses a large abdominal incision to view the cyst and surrounding tissue. It may be done instead of a laparoscopic surgery if the cyst is large, there are many cysts, or complications happen during a laparoscopic surgery.

Ovarian Cyst

Reasons for Procedure

An ovarian cyst may need to be removed if it is:

Causing pain
Suspected of being cancerous
Large—more than 2.5 inches in diameter
Solid

Possible Complications

Problems are rare, but all procedures have some risk. The doctor will go over some problems that could happen, such as:

Excess bleeding
Problems from anesthesia, such as wheezing or sore throat
Infection
Blood clots
Damage to other organs
Cyst returns after it is removed
Need for removal of one or both ovaries
Infertility

Things that may raise the risk of problems are:

Smoking
Drinking alcohol
Chronic diseases, such as diabetes or obesity
Pregnancy
Prior abdominal surgery

What to Expect

Prior to Procedure

The surgical team may meet with you to talk about:

Anesthesia options
Any allergies you may have
Current medicines, herbs, and supplements that you take and whether you need to stop taking them before surgery
Fasting before surgery, such as avoiding food or drink after midnight the night before
Whether you need a ride to and from surgery
Tests that will need to be done before surgery, such as images of the pelvic organs
What action should be taken if cancer is found during surgery

Anesthesia

General anesthesia will be used. You will be asleep.

Description of the Procedure

An incision will be made in the abdomen. The abdominal muscles will be separated and the abdomen will be opened. Next, the cyst will be removed. A sample of tissue may be removed for testing. If cancer is found, one or both ovaries may be removed. Lastly, stitches will be used to close the abdominal muscles. The incision will be closed with stitches or staples. A bandage will be placed over the area.

How Long Will It Take?

1 to 2 hours

Will It Hurt?

Some pain is common in the first few days. Medicine and home care help.

Average Hospital Stay

Most people can go home in 2 to 3 days. If there are any problems, you may need to stay longer.

Post-procedure Care

At the Hospital

Right after the procedure, the staff may:

Give you pain medicine
Encourage you to walk

During your stay, the hospital staff will take steps to lower your risk of infection, such as:

Washing their hands
Wearing gloves or masks
Keeping your incisions covered

There are also steps you can take to lower your risk of infection, such as:

Washing your hands often and reminding visitors and staff to do the same
Reminding staff to wear gloves or masks
Not letting others touch your incisions

At Home

It will take up to 2 weeks to fully heal. Physical activity will be limited during this time. Sex will need to be avoided. Ask for help with daily activities and delay your return to work.

Call Your Doctor

Call the doctor if you are not getting better or you have:

Signs of infection, such as fever and chills
Redness, swelling, excessive bleeding, or discharge from the incisions
Pain that you cannot control with the medicine you have been given
Vaginal bleeding that soaks more than one pad per hour
Pain, burning, urgency or frequency of urination, or lasting blood in the urine
Swelling, redness, or pain in the legs
New or worsening symptoms

If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.

RESOURCES:

The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
http://www.acog.org

Women's Health—US Department of Health and Human Services
http://www.womenshealth.gov

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Health Canada
https://www.canada.ca

Women's Health Matters
http://www.womenshealthmatters.ca

References:

Ovarian cyst. Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at: https://familydoctor.org/condition/ovarian-cyst. Accessed August 26, 2021.

Ovarian cysts. Women's Health—US Department of Health and Human Services website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Accessed August 26, 2021.

Last reviewed July 2021 by EBSCO Medical Review BoardBeverly Siegal, MD, FACOG
Last Updated: 8/26/2021

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