How are ovarian cysts diagnosed?
Ovarian cysts are often discovered during routine pelvic exams or through imaging tests like a pelvic ultrasound. Testing for ovarian cysts is a crucial step in diagnosing and managing this condition.
To determine the nature and treatment needs of a cyst, your doctor may recommend several tests based on the cyst’s size and whether it’s fluid-filled or solid.
- Pelvic ultrasounds utilise high-frequency sound waves to create detailed images of the uterus and ovaries, helping confirm the presence of a cyst, its exact location, and its composition.
- Tumor marker tests, such as the CA 125 blood test, may be used to evaluate the risk of ovarian cancer, especially if the cyst appears complex or solid. It is important to note that elevated CA 125 levels can also occur in many benign conditions, underscoring the need for comprehensive evaluation.
- Laparoscopy, a minimally invasive surgical procedure, allows direct observation and potential treatment of cysts through small key-hole incisions through the abdomen.
If you’re seeking expert care and advice from an ovarian cyst removal surgeon in Melbourne, please call us.
Do ovarian cysts need to be removed to be treated?
Most ovarian cysts (functional cysts) resolve spontaneously over time, these are normally followed-up through serial pelvic ultrasound. However, other ovarian cysts such as dermoid cysts, endometriomas or large cystadenomas will require surgical excision, most commonly through laparoscopic (key-hole) surgery.
Ovarian cystectomy refers to the removal of an ovarian cyst while preserving the ovary, especially in women who desires fertility.
Why is oophorectomy occasionally recommended over ovarian cystectomy?
In some cases, removal of the entire ovary (oophorectomy) is recommended over the removal of the ovarian cyst:
- if the patient is post-menopausal
- if the suspicion of malignancy is higher
- or if the cyst is large and therefore there is no normal ovarian tissue remaining.
In most cases, only one of the two ovaries is removed to preserve hormonal function, even in post-menopausal women. Each decision would be considered and tailored carefully to each individual woman.
How is surgery to remove ovarian cyst performed?
Ovarian cysts of all sizes can be removed laparoscopically. The tumour (cyst) is removed from the surrounding normal ovarian tissue, and is then placed in a special bag for removal from the body via the key-hole incisions. This allows the procedure to be performed in a minimally invasive way, reducing the risks of an open surgery. Robotic technologies may be utilised as robotic surgery offers enhanced vision, accuracy and dexterity.
What are the advantages of robotic ovarian cystectomy?
In many cases, robotic surgery replaces the need for open surgery (with larger cut in the abdomen), therefore:
- reduces pain after surgery
- reduces the risk of bleeding
- reduces the risk of infection
- causes less scarring
- and allows shorter recovery time – usually able to go home the same day, and return to work within a week
Who should be performing your robotic ovarian cystectomy in Melbourne?
Robotic or laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy should be performed by specialist gynaecologists who have completed additional training either in minimally invasive gynaecology surgery, or in surgical gynaecological oncology in order to learn techniques and procedures to complete the most complex surgeries with lower complication rates and quicker recovery period. They also perform higher volume of more complex cases.
Kent is available to see his private patients in Epworth Freemasons in East Melbourne. He also consults in Box Hill and Werribee.
Are there medications for ovarian cysts?
Hormonal contraceptives like birth control pills prevent you from ovulating, which can help stop new ovarian cysts from forming. However, they won’t reduce the size of any cysts you already have.
Further Information
Link to AGES Patient Information Video on Laparoscopic Ovarian Cystectomy.
