Recent laparoscopic dermoid cyst removal...

[DianaChristine]

Hi everyone. I am new to this forum. Let me explain my medical history briefly. First of all, I am 29 years old. I was diagnosed with my first dermoid cyst when I was 15 years old. It was the size of a grapefruit and had already destroyed all of the normal ovarian tissue on my left ovary, so I had to have both the cyst and the ovary removed by emergency laparotomy. They also removed a small dermoid cyst from my left ovary. So, fast forward to 14 years later... last month I had an ultrasound and the doctor found a 8.2cm dermoid cyst on my remaining ovary and informed me that I would need surgery ASAP. I was devastated, considering that my husband and I are trying to get pregnant and I feared that I may lose my only ovary. I had laparoscopic surgery on September 23 (4 weeks ago) and during the surgery my doctor discovered that there were also two tiny dermoids growing behind the large one. She also told me that I had a lot of scar tissue connected to my intestines from my previous open surgery. She did her best to remove what she could. She noted that I did not have any adhesions anywhere near my reproductive organs. Thank god for that and the fact she was able to remove all of the cysts and keep the ovary intact! I woke up to the good news and could not be more relieved. I am on my way to a full recovery : ) Now, I have just a few questions:

* It has officially been 4 weeks since my surgery and I occasionally have abdominal cramping. Has anyone else experienced this?? Is this a normal side effect of the surgery or does it maybe have something to do with the adhesions on my intestines?

*I have now had 5 dermoid cysts in total over a span of 14 years. I'm not sure why. What are the chances one could come back? My doctor said that I should get a yearly ultrasound... is this really enough?

*My husband and I are now trying for a baby ASAP. I am nervous though because I only have one ovary left and it has been operated on. My doctor says that I should not have a problem getting pregnant, so I am inclined to believe her. I just want to know if anyone else has had experience with multiple dermoid cysts/ surgeries and has had a child?

I appreciate any answers... thank you!

[Auntcobbie]

Hi--I had a large dermoid and ovary removed when I was 21.   I had two easy successful pregnancies.  We were blessed because we really did not have to spend time trying.  Apparently we are very fertile couple!!

Many,many women have posted about getting pregnant with one ovary.  As for your other questions, I do not really have answers.  

Good luck!

[DianaChristine]

Thanks for responding. I have never heard that 5 is the limit before, but I hope that it is true! :) Dermoids sure do suck, don't they?

[DianaChristine]

Thank you for your response and the kind words! I considered having eggs frozen before my last surgery, but there was not enough time. My doctor wanted to perform the surgery ASAP because of the size and position of the cyst. From what I have heard, the process of freezing eggs can take weeks. I plan on getting regular ultrasounds now, so that way if a cyst does reoccur it can be detected early. Thanks again! You have given me some hope :)

- Diana

[Lindita8]

I don't know if this is fact but my doctor told me that you can have only up to 5 dermoid cysts and that there is a 15 % chance to get another one.  Supposedly they are present since birth but do not grow sometimes till adulthood.  I had a 10 cm dermoid and peduncultated fibroid removed by laparotomy.  Sorry that you have been through a lot with the cysts.  I did not have an easy time of it as my husband was stationed overseas.  Sounds like your surgery was a success and I am glad you are on the mend.  You could also freeze some of your eggs.

[hopeshell]

I am so sorry to hear about your long-term issues with dermoids!   I think it is likely you will have another recurrence at some point.  For some reason, they do recur in some women.  You will probably want to have a hysterectomy after you are done having children.  It sounds like you are in a good position now.  I encourage you to try to have kids as soon as you are cleared from this surgery.  The cramping may or may not be ok.  It is normal to have some discomfort.   You may cramp if you have ovulated or are about to start your period.  The surgery can throw that off.  But, you should report it to your doctor just to be sure.  I don't have a personal history of dermoids, but have run across many others who have and were able to have healthy, normal pregnancies.   I understand your concern!  It stinks that you have had to deal with this for so long.  But, keep the faith!   Your doctor's words were encouraging.  Remember, that your eggs can also be removed prior to surgery if you end up needing to have the remaining ovary removed.  They can be frozen and later implanted into your uterus.  This way you could  still carry the babies to term.  I realize this is a less ideal option.  But, you do have options and I hope the next round with your gyn will be ultrasounds of pregnancy! :)  Keep us posted on how you are doing!

Shelly