Laparoscopy - procedure and recovery times

Question

Hi  Have laparoscopy surgery scheduled for 2 November for possible haemorraghic cyst with daughter cyst attached (8 weeks post ultrasound).  Had indicated to my surgeon that fertility no longer an issue, have 3 children so family now complete.  He has said that if the cyst looks suspicious he will remove the whole cyst but not the ovary or tube.  Will biopsy then go back in if required.  However, my understanding is that if the cyst is removed it should be bagged first then removed to stop spillage of potentially dangerous cells, am I right?   I am under the impression from the doc that he intends to cut round it and whip it out, but without the precaution?  Is this usual?  Also, he is a gynae surgeon specialising in endometriosis and cyst but is not a gynae onco,, at what stage should a gynae onco be involved?  My CA125 test result was 30 which I am told is within the normal range and so they do not see a reason to bring the surgery forward as they feel my age of 34 reduces the risk of it being ovarian cancer.  Any thoughts?  Thanks for helping.

ndc · Answer

Thanks for your comments.  I think I need to have another chat with my gynaecologist before going forward.

I suppose I have the option of paying privately to see the gynae oncologist for a second opinion.  This surgeon is very highly thought of but it seems to be for hysterectomy and minimal access surgery rather than cancer.

The gynae onco is a lady doctor but has several weeks waiting list and am not sure if she would even see me, they don't like treading on each others toes!

But as you say, best to be firm and doing what is in my best interests rather than worrying about offending someone.

Thanks , will let you know...

dian07 · Answer

Your doctor sounds pretty cavalier....now is the time to get the opinion of a gyn/oncologist....why risk the possibility of having to have two surgeries? YOU HAVE ONLY ONE CHANCE TO GET IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME....the only person you want to do your surgery is a gyn/oncologist....whether it is cancer, endo or a simple cyst.....get it done right .....you owe it to yourself and your children.
Peace.
dian

shazzybow · Answer

have you been given any indication that you are having a laparotomy or a laparoscopy? the former may have a longer recovery rate and involves either a vertical or a bikini line incision, there is more internal healing needed. (4-6 weeks recovery).

MickeyVicki · Answer

Yes, the common procedure is to bag the cyst.   I am surprised that he does not do this procedure on a regular basis if he is an endometriosis specialist.  Bagging a cyst can also help prevent the spread of the endometrial tissues and cells which result in endometriosis. 

 The problem with the CA-125 test is that not all ovarian cancers produce this antigen.  Therefore, a patient can have a normal or even low CA-125 but still have ovca.  

Expect at least two weeks recovery time.  Some need only a week, while others need three weeks or more.  I have a notedly high tolerance to pain, and I needed two full weeks.

Laparoscopy - procedure and recovery times

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