Possible laroscopic removal of Corpus Luteum

[CaptainKWE]

Hello Doctor,

History:  My wife is a healthy 36 yr old and is very fit and very health conscience. She has a “due date” of Aug 15th (according to last period)/Aug 20th (according to the first sonogram). Last year, she has had what may have been called miscarriage, which occurred around a couple weeks – her G.P. wasn’t able to say if it was a miscarriage or just a heavy period. Additionally, she’s had 1 or 2 ovarian cysts over the past 5-6 years that have enlarged causing spotting/pain and have caused monitoring by our docs, but have always gone away and not required any kind medical intervention/surgery.

Current Situation: Thus far, all tests/sonograms/doctor’s visits have had positive results/no issues except for one. During the regular 1st prenatal visit to the OB/Gyn on Jan 08th  (?~7wks? – when the first sonogram is regularly scheduled/pregnancy confirmation) it was discovered that the corpus luteum was larger than normal. It measured ~7.3 cm. It was explained to us the purpose of the corpus luteum and that it “feeds” the fetus until the placenta takes over. We were instructed to limit physical activity (which she/we did) to avoid possible torsion and to come back in 4 weeks for another sonogram to see if the corpus luteum had shrunk. We went back on Feb 4th (almost ~12 weeks) and found a active/healthy fetus and also, that the corpus luteum had only shrunk to 6.7cm (basically had only shrunk .5 cm). Thus far, the corpus luteum  hasn’t caused any pain/problems that we know of.  The doctor then explained that there was a ‘window’ for surgery (?14-16?) weeks which was the “best time” for surgery as far as the fetus is concerned) and we should schedule surgery to lock down the date just in case it was needed. However, he was “hopeful” it wouldn’t be necessary. We are crossing our fingers that the corpus luteum will shrink but are a bit worried at the prospects of surgery. The doctor explained that if needed, he’d do a laroscopy/3 point incision to remove the cyst that would require my wife to be under general anesthesia. We are scheduled to go back for another sonogram on Feb. 19th and have surgery penciled in on Feb. 21st. We’re not freakin out (yet) but it certainly is on our minds.

My questions are:
-How typical is it that the corpus luteum behaves like this – i.e. is “too big” doesn’t shrink?
-We’re kinda scared at the prospect of surgery and “going under general anesthesia” and the effects on our little jewel – is it something to worry about?
-Surgery is always a “risk vs. reward” – how much is the risk compared to the reward (both to the baby and my wife)?
-While our doc has been doing this for over 25 yrs and we like/trust him – wouldn’t it be prudent to request a second opinion?
-Couldn’t/shouldn't we wait out the shrinkage a bit longer til the end of the safe window of surgery?
-General thoughts on our situation?

Many many thanks in advance for any advice/feedback.
Kirk

[CaptainKWE]

Just realized that this isn't monitored by docs (if I'd read the instructions a little more carefully - D'oh!) - so now, just wondering if anyone out there has been through this.
Thanks!!