Many women will have or have already had an ovarian cyst. Most cysts go unnoticed and clear without any interventions. However, in some cases, cysts will persist, enlarge, and result in symptoms requiring treatment.

If you suspect you are experiencing difficulties associated with ovarian cysts learning about your options for ovarian cystectomy in Leesburg is a good start. This uncertain time of researching and learning might feel overwhelming. That’s normal. As questions get answered and options revealed, you’ll be able to move forward with fewer unknowns. Our caring staff is ready to help and support you through this process. 

Ovarian Cysts

Ovarian cysts are sacs, typically filled with blood or fluid, that reside on or in the ovary. Cysts are common, usually clear within a few months, and often occur without any indication. However, if a cyst is large enough, Leesburg patients could experience symptoms and require a treatment called ovarian cystectomy. 

Most cysts are considered physiological and arise during a women’s menstrual cycle. These cysts frequently go unnoticed and cause no issues. Other cysts, considered pathological, can cause enough discomfort to prompt a patient to contact their doctor. Rarely will a cyst be cancerous. 

Symptoms

If symptoms do present, a patient might notice the following: 

•        Dull or sharp pelvic pain on one or both sides, and often felt in the lower abdomen

•        Abdominal bloating

•        Heavy feeling in the abdomen

In rare cases, a cyst will rupture or result in torsion.  A ruptured cyst occurs when the ovarian cyst bursts open. If this happens, a patient could have sudden sharp pain, vaginal discharge or bleeding, nausea, vomiting, weakness, faintness, fever, heavy feeling or tenderness in the pelvic area, and pain with sitting. 

Torsion is a medical emergency that occurs when the ovary twists on itself. Surgery is required to untwist the ovary. Ovarian torsion can result in tissue death by cutting off blood supply to the ovary. Women who experience ovarian torsion will have sudden and severe pain. Nausea and vomiting are likely as well.  Anytime a patient has sudden, severe pain in the abdominal or pelvic area, they should see a doctor immediately.

Cystectomy Procedure

Ovarian cystectomy is a surgical procedure to remove ovarian cysts. A Leesburg surgeon can remove certain ovarian cysts with a minimally invasive laparoscopic cystectomy using small incisions made in the abdomen. 

A doctor will administer general anesthesia, and an incision is made, usually in the naval.  The surgeon will bloat the stomach with air or gas, allowing for better accessibility to the internal pelvic structures. Two or three more incisions are made for the surgeon to access the ovaries with slender instruments. The surgeon then excises the cysts and removes them through the small incisions. 

Recovery

Minimally invasive laparoscopic cystectomy is an outpatient procedure, meaning most patients will go home the same day as their operation. After surgery, the gas used to expand the abdomen may travel into the shoulder joints and cause a dull ache. Patients may also have tenderness and bruising around the naval and other incisions. The first week most patients feel more tired than usual and will need to rest. Activity can slowly increase as tolerated until the patient has reached full abilities again. 

Minimally Invasive Cystectomy in Leesburg

Finding out you need surgery to treat your ovarian cysts can be scary. We understand this is a stressful time in your life. The goal is to ease that stress by answering your questions, supporting your decisions, and providing a minimally invasive option for your cystectomy. 

Reach out to schedule an appointment if you have been told you need surgery for your ovarian cysts or if you suspect you have symptoms of them. A qualified team is available to answer questions and offer accurate information as you navigate your ovarian cystectomy in Leesburg.