Ovarian cyst removal is usually recommended when cysts are large, solid, shaped in irregular forms, suspected of being cancerous, twisted, ruptured, or causing severe pain. Older patients with ovarian cysts are more likely to need to have them removed since the likelihood of having a cancerous cyst increases with age.

Prior to undertaking an ovarian cyst removal procedure, a through physical examination of the patient is conducted. The doctor will review the patient's current medications, order routine tests of blood and urine, as well as request that X-rays and CT scan of the abdomen be done to confirm the diagnosis.

Either open or laparoscopic surgery will be used by the doctor to excise the cyst, depending on which kind of cyst the patient has. Open surgery is more commonly done to remove larger cysts.

In laparoscopic surgery, a slim tube called a laparoscope is introduced into the patient's body by making a small incision in the lower abdomen. It is very helpful in locating the ovarian cyst as well as to guide its removal.

For large ovarian cyst removal, surgery under general anesthesia may be needed. Patients may experience some pain in the abdomen after surgery. They also may experience such complications as infection or bleeding. It is important to understand that recurrence of ovarian cysts is possible. In a few rare cases, the patient may also experience infertility and blood clots.

Where a surgeon finds no sign of ovarian cancer during the procedure, it is not anticipated that the patient will experience complications. The patient should be fully recovered within several weeks. That said, if the doctors do find ovarian cancer, it may be necessary to remove either one or both ovaries while the surgery is going on or in a later surgical procedure. This would need to be combined with a treatment for ovarian cancer.

After an ovarian cyst has been removed, inform your doctor of any conditions such as excessive pain or bleeding, fever or chills, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, abdominal swelling, or any other unusual symptoms. Like any other surgery, ovarian cyst removal requires recovery time and monitoring for any complications.