Why not laparoscapy?

[moonmullen]

I'm 38 years old and have two children, I have recently been diagnosed with a 6cm complex ovarian cyst.
My gyno wants to remove it, since I have been having pains for almost a year.   She says she won't/can't do a laparoscopy to remove it?  Is there any reason why not.  My CA125 came back at 5 which I understand is normal, so I'm feeling better about the possibilities of being anything more.  I know it's vain but I really don't want to have scars especially after giving birth to two kids naturally.    What other questions should I be asking?  I'm thinking about getting a 2nd opinion, though I really like/trust her.  Should I seek further advice from a gynocological oncologist?

[cmcn]

Yes, do go for that second opinion.  Laparoscopic surgery seems to be a possibility for you, IN THE HANDS OF THE RIGHT SURGEON.  There are methods of removing cysts laparoscopically in which the cyst is "bagged" and therefore there is much less danger of a spill.  Possibly your doctor is not experienced in these techniques, and all it would take would be to find one who is.  

Good luck!

[moonmullen]

Thank you both for your replies.  It really helped.  I spoke to my doctor today and she said that the reason she didn't want to do the laparoscopy was partly because of the size and also the risk of the cyst rupturing and possibly spreading 'bad' cells around.  She was very gracious and has referred me to a gynocological oncologist who might agree to do it.  So I'm off for a 2nd opinion.  Will let you know the outcome!!

Thanks again.

[ireneo]

Each doctor is different. I had my 10 cm cyst  plus ovary and fallopian tube removed laparoscopically. At first my doctor wanted to do the open incision because I also have a fibroid in my uterus. She was thinking about removing it all. But after talking with the other surgeon they decided to start small with the scope, just remove the ovary, cyst and tube. Recovery is quicker and it's less risky. They were able to complete it with just the 3 small incisions and I healed up in a week.

Perhaps it has to do with the type of cyst you have. You might want to get another opinion. My doctor got the second opinion on her own and I'm glad she did. I feel great. The fibroid is just sitting there doing no harm.

[Kathy75]

6 cm is rather large (converts to over 2 inches on a linear scale) so I suspect this might have something to do with the reason for her decision to perform surgery rather than laparoscopy.  That would be one question to ask.  Also, she may want to ensure there aren't additional, smaller cysts present that might not have been detected through ultrasound (or whatever tests you've had).  Sounds to me like she is just trying to be thorough, but you should certainly ask what else she might be considering (sometimes they don't want to mention their suspicions until they are sure).  Good Luck!!!