Ovarian cystectomy, unilateral or bilateral

Procedure Information

What is an Ovarian Cystectomy, Unilateral or Bilateral?

An ovarian cystectomy is a surgical procedure which involves removing one or both of a woman's ovaries. This procedure can either be unilateral, which involves removing one ovary, or bilateral, which involves removing both ovaries.

Why would I get an Ovarian Cystectomy, Unilateral or Bilateral?

An ovarian cystectomy may be necessary in order to prevent, diagnose, or treat ovarian cancer or an ovarian cyst. It may also be necessary to treat other health issues, such as severe pelvic pain, which can be caused by a cyst or tumor.

What happens during an Ovarian Cystectomy, Unilateral or Bilateral?

The procedure can be performed under either general or local anesthesia. During the procedure, the surgeon will make an incision in the abdomen and access the ovaries. The surgery typically lasts anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the complexity.

What to expect after an Ovarian Cystectomy, Unilateral or Bilateral?

After a unilateral ovarian cystectomy, the patient will typically remain in the hospital for a few days before being allowed to resume their normal activities. Bilateral ovarian cystectomies may require an extended hospital stay of about a week. You may experience some swelling or discomfort for the first few days after the procedure, which can be managed with pain medications. Recovery time can take up to two weeks.

Conclusion

An ovarian cystectomy is a procedure which involves the removal of one or both of a woman's ovaries. The procedure is usually performed to prevent, diagnose, or treat ovarian cancer or an ovarian cyst, or to manage symptoms associated with pelvic pain. During the procedure, the surgeon makes an incision in the abdomen and accesses the ovaries. Recovery time may vary depending on the type of ovarian cystectomy, with unilateral cystectomy having a shorter recovery time than a bilateral cystectomy.