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Ovarian cyst removal

I am waiting to hear what type of surgery I will need to remove a large cyst on my left ovary. I need advice as to which operation I am likely to have in order to put my mind and rest and let work and uni know how long I will be off for.

When viewed through an ultrasound in november last year the cyst was 14 x 7 x 12cm. Due to the size i was wondering if the cyst will be too large to remove via the laproscopy especially since my GP thinks the cyst is getting bigger.
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Avatar universal
Hi :)
       Thanks for sharing yout experience, it always helps to read what other people have experienced and get support from people.

       I am going to phone the secretary for the doctor who will be removing my cyst in just over a week on the 27th, hopefully there may be something on my file that indicates which operation I will be having. At least then I can start to prepare myself for whats to come.

Thanks for the good luck hopefully I will be in good hands and back to normal asap   :)
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Avatar universal
Thankyou sooo much for the reply it definitly helps to have better understanding of my situation from someone who has been through it aswell, hope you are well.

To be honest I have no idea what type of cyst I have as no one has let me know. The only bit of information I have is that it did not show signs of being a Dermoid cyst as no solid massess were detected during my ultrasound in November.

I have just found out today that I will have my surgery on the 27th of this month, I think it was partly due to getting my GP to send a letter to the hospital about the increase in size of my cyst and some pain I had started to experience in my kidneys. I have a slight idea of the type of op as my GP said it could be r3emoved via a mini laparotomy but its not certain. I am planning on ringing the Dr's secretary to see if anything in my notes states which op I will be having.

Thanks again for both your help/advice and your well wishes

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Avatar universal
*had what they thought was an eptopic pregnancy...sorry typo!
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Avatar universal
Hi,

Sorry to hear about your cyst :(. In December of 2011 I was seen at the ER and had to go into emergency surgery because I had what they had was an ectopic pregnancy since my HCG levels were positive, but when they went into the surgery they found an 8 cm cyst that had to be removed.

What I had was a laprascopic surgery.  They were not able to save my ovary as the cyst was too big so it had to be removed in the process.  Since the surgery was minimally invasive I was able to go back to work within a week, and was only in severe pain for 3 days.  However, I was not allowed to lift anything over 10 lbs for 2 weeks.

Mine was pretty big too they said and said a laprascopic procedure would be fine, however I would defiantly talk to your doctor so you get more clear cut answers to your specific case.

Just thought I would share my experience...good luck!
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Avatar universal
It depends on the type of cyst as it would need to be drained to be removed via laparoscopy. If it is filled with fluid it can be drained. Do you know if it is complex (containing fluid and solids)?
Dermoid cysts can contain hair, teeth, etc, and may or may not be possible to drain depending on your specific case. Laparoscopy could be an option and has been done on large cysts with tiny or small incisions.
Cystadenomas contain a mixture of fluid and mucus and should not be allowed to leak, therefore cant be drained. Laparotomy would be required. Dermoid cysts are more common than cystadenoma in young women, which I guess you are since you mention uni. Hopefully it will be possible to try laparoscopy and have laparotomy as plan B.
Assuming the cyst hasnt grown too much, laparotomy will probably be done via a bikini incision. It is supposed to be a bit less painful and it is possible to hide the scar. Midline may be required, most likely from the bellybutton to the pubic bone, although if it grows as much as mine did it may have to go around and above the bellybutton.

I would recommend you to push for surgery to be done soon, my cyst grew enough to complicate my surgery and the symptoms got very unpleasant while waiting.

Laparoscopy would keep you home anywhere from a few days to 2 weeks.
Laparotomy would require a couple of days in hospital, 4-5 days is normal. I was very painful for 6 weeks, but it should be possible to study sooner than that.
How long it takes for you to return to work depends on the type of work. If it requires heavy lifting it could be months, if not it could be a couple of weeks. Ask the doctor.
Fatigue could be an issue with the studies though.

Good luck, I hope all goes well.
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