Laparotomy to remove Ovarian Cyst during 2nd Trimester

Hi,
I am 18 weeks pregnant, and have a large cyst (10.4, 5.5, 6cm) on my right ovary. I have been to a gynaecological oncologist who suggestes in removing it by next week. I am really very scared and cannot decide whether to go forward with the surgery or not. He  suggests that a Laparotomy with general anesthesia has to be performed. The cyst has mostly liquid filled with sepations and two solid masses which are about 2cm and 1.5 cm in diameter. Please suggest whether to go forward with the surgery or not and what are the risks involved to the child. Will the child get and congenital abnormalities with regard to the surgery?
Thanks

[Keith Downing, MD]

Hello,

There is very little risk to your pregnancy at your gestational age.  Having a well established pregnancy the risk of a miscarriage related to anesthesia or surgery are extremely low.  The surgery itself or anesthesia will not cause a congenital abnormality.  If your baby has had a normal ultrasound survey then you can rest assure those features won't change.  

Given what you describe of the ovarian cyst it definitely needs removal.  I'm sure there is a concern for cancer, thus you are at an ideal time to have this done.  Further along in pregnancy the surgery will be more difficult and waiting until delivery may provide time for a potentially confined malignancy to spread.  

Best regards,

Dr. Downing