laparoscopy

I am 53 years old and have 1.0 cm complex cysts in left ovary and 1.4 cm septated cyst in my right ovary.  You have mentioned many times about the surgery Laparoscopy to diagnose the cysts.
Who usually perform this surgery (regular gynecologist or gyn oncologist or special surgeon )?  Any possible risk involved here ?  please advise.

[Annekathryn Goodman, M.D.]

Hi there,
All doctors who are trained in a 4 year obstetrics and gynecology residency program are experts in laparoscopy. This  is a standard surgical approach that uses small incisions in the abdomen. This technique was first pioneered in general gynecology and now is a standard technique used in all surgical specialties.

A small incision is made in the umbilicus (belly button) and a camera is passed into the abdomen. The abdomen can be viewed, ovaries can be examined directly and other organs in the abdomen such as the uterus, intestine, liver, gallbladder, stomach, appendix can be directly evaluated. Several small incisions can be made in the abdomen for instruments and surgery can be performed in this manner.

Risks include the standard risks of all surgery: bleeding, infection, blood clots, injury to intestine, blood vessels, bladder, ureter.

A gynecologic oncologist undergoes an additional three years of training in surgery, management of chemotherapy, pain management, intensive care, and research.

Unless there are other abnormalities such as an elevated CA 125 or other abnormal xray or physical exam findings , a general gynecologist would be fully competent to manage the removal of 1 to 2 cm (1/4 to 1/2  inch) ovarian cysts
best wishes