Laparotomy?

[s1123]

Back in January, my doctor diagnosed me with having a 16 cm ovarian cyst. They told me it was a dermoid cyst, but that through the ultrasound and MRI that was done, no visible ovarian tissue is visible, meaning I could quite possibly lose my left ovary. I'm scheduled to have a laparotomy done a week from Monday, and was just wondering what to expect-- how long is the surgery/ what are possibly risks? I'm only 18 years old, and this is my first ever surgery, and it seems pretty major to me, so I'm extremely stressed out and scared. On top of that, it's been recommended to me as a possibility to try herbal methods of treatment to possibly decrease the size before resorting to surgery, but I'm not sure if I feel safe with that, seeing as its size is so large. Any suggestions?

[TrudieC]

I was told I had a 16 cm cyst but ended up being a 16 cm cluster of cysts that had bled together.  I was in the hospital for 4 or 5 days and recovered very well.  I felt so good after getting that removed.  I would very much doubt that herbal remedies could shrink a cyst that size.  By not having surgery you risk rupture or torsion (twisting) which is a medical emergency.  Try and treat your recovery time as a mini vacation for you.  You don't have to do anything but rest so plan your books, TV and movies and prepare to cocoon.  Please let us know how it goes.

[furrycat]

I think it took about an hour to do the op, then I was in recovery for another hour or so while I woke up.  It was all a blur for me though!  Try not to worry, modern anaesthesia is very safe :-)

[s1123]

Thanks for the input :) Do you know how long the surgery itself took? My doctor told me that he thinks I can be discharged the day of surgery, or possibly the day after depending on how I feel. Mostly I think I'm scared of the anesthesia... I've never been put to sleep before =/

[furrycat]

I went through a similar situation to you, I had a dermoid on my right ovary and the MRI suggested it had completely taken over the ovary so they told me I might lose the right ovary.  I ended up having a laparotomy and they found my ovary had been twisted by the weight of the cyst and had basically died, so I lost the right ovary.  Actually the op wasn't as bad as I was expecting, they gave me good pain relief (morphine via patient controlled pump) and on the 4th day I was discharged from hospital.  I had 6 weeks off work and now I feel more or less fine.  The worst thing was the emotional rollercoaster I was on for the first3 weeks or so after the op, I was really depressed and cried all the time, but I think it was a reaction to the general anaesthetic to be honest.

My remaining ovary has kicked in and my cycle has completely gone back to normal.

In terms of risk of the op, I am sure they will explain all that to you but it is the same as any op, ie blood loss, possible damage to other organs etc, but try not to worry, they have to warn you of the worst case scenario.

I too had never had an operation of any kind before so didn't know what to expect.

Good luck with your operation, hope it all goes well :) make sure you come back and post on here because there are loads of people who've had just the same problem and can help reassure you.