Keyhole surgery
Laparoscopic ovarian cyst removal
Keyhole removal of an ovarian cyst, preserving the ovary itself wherever that is possible.
In plain language
What this operation is
Many ovarian cysts are harmless, cause no symptoms and disappear on their own. They are often found by chance on an ultrasound done for another reason.
Surgery is considered when a cyst is large, persistent, causing pain, or has features on imaging that need it to be removed and examined rather than watched.
A cystectomy removes the cyst while leaving the healthy ovarian tissue in place. That distinction matters, particularly for younger patients.
Who it is for
When this operation is advised
- A cyst that persists over repeated scans rather than resolving
- A large cyst, or one causing pain or pressure symptoms
- Features on ultrasound that need tissue examination rather than observation
- A cyst that has twisted or bled, which can cause sudden severe pain
And when it is not. Small simple cysts with no symptoms are usually observed with a repeat scan rather than operated on.
How it works
From assessment to follow-up
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01
Assessment
Ultrasound, and blood tests where indicated. Sometimes a repeat scan after an interval is the right next step rather than surgery.
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02
Planning
Whether the cyst can be removed with the ovary preserved is discussed beforehand.
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03
The operation
Under general anaesthesia, through small ports. The cyst is separated from the ovary and removed intact where possible.
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04
Pathology
The removed cyst is sent for examination, and the result is reviewed with you at follow-up.
Afterwards
What recovery involves
Recovery differs between patients. What follows is what usually happens — your own timeframe is given at discharge, based on the operation you actually had.
- Most people go home within a day or two.
- Some shoulder-tip discomfort from the gas used during surgery is common.
- A return to normal activity is usually quicker than after open surgery.
- The pathology result is discussed at follow-up and determines whether anything further is needed.
When to go to hospital instead
Sudden severe pelvic pain, with or without vomiting, can mean a cyst has twisted. That needs the same-day assessment at a hospital.
Common questions
Questions patients ask
Anything not covered here can be answered at the consultation.
01 Will my ovary be removed?
The intention is to remove the cyst and keep the ovary. Whether that is possible depends on how much healthy tissue remains and what is found during the operation. It is discussed with you beforehand.
Ovary02 Does an ovarian cyst always need surgery?
No. Many resolve on their own and are simply rechecked with a repeat scan. Surgery is for cysts that persist, grow, cause symptoms, or have features that need examination.
When03 Will it affect my ability to have children?
Where the ovary is preserved, the aim is specifically to protect that. What is realistic in your case depends on the findings and is discussed honestly rather than promised.
FertilityNext step
Bring your reports to a consultation
Often one visit is enough to know whether an operation is needed at all.