What is ovarian cystectomy?

Ovarian cystectomy is referred to as the surgical removal of an ovarian cyst or tumour by protecting the ovary and maintaining fertility. The two types of ovarian cysts that are formed in the body include; functional cyst and pathological cysts. Functional cysts are fluid-filled sac-like structures that are developed in the ovary during or after the ovulation cycle. These are the most common and harmless type of cysts found in females. Pathological cysts can be benign or malignant cysts that are developed in the ovary, not as a part of the ovulation cycle. 

Why is it performed?

Ovarian cystectomy is carried out;

If it is a pathologic cyst.

If the size of the cyst is more than 6 to 7 mm.

If both the ovaries are affected.

If there are any chances of malignancy - ovarian cancer.

If the cyst appears ruptured.

How is ovarian cystectomy performed?

The surgery is usually carried out in two ways. They are laparoscopic surgery and open surgery methods. Laparoscopic surgery or keyhole surgery is a less invasive method of removing the cyst by preserving the ovaries. The procedure is performed under local or general anaesthesia, in which the surgeon uses a laparoscope and other surgical instruments that are inserted through the three or four small incisions that are made on your abdomen to remove the cysts. A laparoscope with a camera is used to view the internal organs on a monitor which will help the surgeon to insert the surgical instruments to the exact position of the ovarian cyst. Then the cyst will be separated and removed from healthy ovarian tissue. However, sometimes the whole ovary will be removed if the cyst is involving the entire ovary. Once the procedure is done, the incisions will be closed by using dissolvable sutures. The advantages of laparoscopic surgery are; faster recovery, shorter stays in hospital, less pain and discomfort, less risk of infections and very few side effects. Open surgery is done under general anaesthesia which is usually performed when the cysts are much bigger or if there is a cancerous change in the cyst. 

What are the precautions to be taken after the procedure?

You can resume your daily routines within a few days after the surgery. However, you should avoid performing vigorous activities such as weight lifting or sports for at least two to four weeks after the surgery. 

How much does the procedure cost?

In India, it's arranging between INR 40,000 to INR 120,000 

What is a hysterectomy?

Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of a woman's womb or uterus in order to treat any health issues affecting the female reproductive system. Hysterectomy can be of different types depending on the reason for the surgery. The most commonly performed method is the total hysterectomy, in which the womb and cervix are removed. In a subtotal hysterectomy, the womb is removed by retaining the cervix in place. The total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy consists of the removal of the womb, cervix, fallopian tube and the ovaries. And in radical hysterectomy, the womb, fallopian tubes, ovaries, lymph glands, part of the vagina and fatty tissues are removed.

Why do you need a hysterectomy?

The surgeon may recommend a hysterectomy for you if you have heavy periods, long-standing pelvic pain, uterine fibroids which causes pain and other health issues, endometriosis, thickening of uterus and cancers of the ovary, uterus, cervix and fallopian tubes.

How is the procedure done?

There are different approaches to perform a hysterectomy depending on the reason for the surgery. The traditional technique includes open surgery which is also called the abdominal hysterectomy. In this technique, the surgeon will make incisions across the belly to remove the uterus. Other less invasive procedures include vaginal hysterectomy, laparoscopic hysterectomy, laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy and robot-assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy. In a vaginal hysterectomy, the surgeon makes an incision in the vagina to remove the uterus. The laparoscopic method makes use of a video camera that is inserted through one of the incisions that are made in the belly to view the internal organs on a monitor. This will help the surgeon to insert the surgical instruments to the exact location through other incisions to perform the surgery. In the laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy, the surgeon inserts the laparoscope with the camera through an incision that is made in the vagina. Robotic-assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy is a procedure similar to laparoscopic hysterectomy, but the surgeon makes use of a robotic surgical unit to perform the surgery from outside the body.

How long does it take to recover after the procedure?

Since hysterectomy is a major operation, you will be monitored in the hospital for around 4 to 5 days post-surgery. And it usually takes up to eight weeks to completely recover after the procedure.

How much does the procedure cost?

In India, INR 200,000 to INR 375,000.