Doctors generally recommend that ovarian cyst removal is done when the cyst is large, solid, has an irregular shape or could be cancerous. It is also likely to be removed if it is twisted or ruptured and is causing extreme 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 undergoing an ovarian cyst removal procedure, a thorough physical examination is needed. Your doctor will review your current 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.

In order to remove an ovarian cyst, a doctor generally decides between laparoscopic or open surgery. This often depends on the patient and the type of ovarian cyst that is being removed. In the case of larger cysts, open surgery is often required.

Laparoscopic surgery involves a thin tube called a laparoscope being inserted through a small incision in the lower abdomen. The tube helps to locate an ovarian cyst and with that information, the surgeon can take steps to remove it.

To excise a particularly large cyst, the physician may need to perform a surgical procedure for ovarian cyst removal using general anesthesia. The patient may suffer some discomfort after the operation. Complications such as infection and bleeding may occur as well. The patient must recognize that further cysts may develop in the future. And, while it is rare, the patient may also become infertile and/or suffer clotting.

Provided ovarian cancer is not detected during the surgery, it is a good chance that the patient will have no further complications. They should make a full recovery within a couple of weeks after surgery. On the other hand, if ovarian cancer is detected, then the patient may have to have one or both ovaries removed either during the surgery or in another surgery. Treatment of ovarian cancer would need to follow.

Once an ovarian cyst has been removed, any recurrence of typical symptoms, like excessive pain, bleeding, abdominal swelling or even unrelated conditions like fever or chills, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, or any other unusual symptoms should be relayed to your doctor. Like any other surgery, ovarian cyst removal requires recovery time and monitoring for any complications.