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Ovarian cyst removal

Sometimes ovarian cysts get painful and need to be removed

Many ovarian cysts are harmless but if they are causing you pain your doctors will recommend they are removed through surgery.

The procedure is relatively straightforward and takes around 45 minutes. Most women go home on the day of the operation, which is usually performed under a general anaesthetic.

Why us

  • Fast access to treatment when you need it
  • Internationally and nationally renowned consultants
  • Clear, inclusive pricing
Typical hospital stay

Same day discharge

Type of anaesthetic

General

Covered by health insurance?

Yes

Procedure duration

One hour

Available to self-pay?

Yes

What is ovarian cyst removal?

Ovarian cysts are often harmless and don’t cause any pain or discomfort.

However some cysts, which are fluid filled packets in, or on, an ovary, can become painful and can be removed through surgery.

During an operation one or more such cysts can be removed (a cystectomy) while leaving the ovary intact.

You will probably have a general anaesthetic so you’ll be asleep during the operation. It’s likely you’ll be able to go home the same day.

Find a consultant at Sussex Premier Health

Ms Basirat Towobola

Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist with special interest in Urogynaecology

Mr Waleed Yousef

Consultant Gynaecologist and Minimal Access Surgeon

Mr Jamal Zaidi

Consultant Gynaecologist

Your initial consultation

At Sussex Premier Health, you will have a formal consultation with a Consultant Gynaecologist. During this time you will be able to explain your medical history, symptoms and raise any concerns that you might have.

We will also discuss with you whether any further diagnostic tests, such as scans or blood tests, are needed. Any additional costs will be discussed before further tests are carried out.

What to expect on the day of your procedure

On the day of your operation, our ward staff will show you to your own private room. Your private room will have an en-suite bathroom and TV and Wi-Fi facilities.

You’ll probably have a general anaesthetic so you’ll be asleep throughout the actual operation.

There are two main types of ovarian cyst operation – conventional “open” surgery or a “keyhole” procedure (also known as a laparoscopy). You can find out more about both techniques in our patient information section below.

With both techniques the surgery typically lasts around one hour.

Aftercare

It’s likely you’ll be able to go home on the same day, particularly if you had keyhole surgery.  After surgery, you will be taken to your room where you can rest and recuperate until we feel you’re ready to go home.

Once you’re ready to be discharged from hospital, you’ll need to arrange for a friend or family member to take you home as you won’t be able to drive.

For guidance on pain relief and your recovery time, please see our patient information sections below.

You will feel some pain in the stomach for a day or two but we will provide you with a supply of all the medicines your consultant feels you need to take home with you after you’ve left hospital, up to 14 days. This may be at an additional cost to some patients.

It will probably take you around a fortnight to fully recover from the operation if you had a keyhole procedure and six to eight weeks if you had open surgery.

There are two main types of ovarian cyst operation – conventional “open” surgery or a “keyhole” procedure (also known as a laparoscopy).

With the first type, your surgeon will make a cut either horizontally just above the public bone (along the bikini line) or vertically from just below the belly button. Your surgeon will open the ovary and remove the cyst. Stitches or staples will be used to close the cut.

Sometimes the surgeon may remove the entire ovary so it can be sent for testing but this will have been discussed with you at your initial consultation.

If a surgeon uses the keyhole technique, they will make two or more small cuts in your tummy. They will insert a small thin tube with a camera at the end (a laparoscope) into one of the cuts to view the womb and use thin surgical instruments inserted through the other cut or cuts to remove the cyst.

With either technique the surgery typically lasts around one hour.

On rare occasions, complications can occur after an ovarian cyst removal.

Please call and speak to a nurse if you experience any of these symptoms:

  • prolonged heavy bleeding
  • a fever or high temperature
  • a swollen belly
  • severe pain that is not improved by painkillers

Your consultant will talk to you about the possible risks and complications of having this procedure and how they apply to you.

After you’ve left hospital, we’re still here when you need us.

We’ll provide you with all the appropriate medication and advice.

You will be given a date for a follow-up appointment with your surgeon. This will usually be four to six weeks later.

If you have any questions or concerns about your recovery you can call and speak to a member of the nursing team at any time, please call 01424 757459.

At Sussex Premier Health, your procedure will be performed by your consultant surgeon.

Our self-pay team will be able to give you a guide price for ovarian cyst removal surgery.

To speak to a member of our self pay team today, call 01424 757455.

Interested in finding out more?

Speak to a member of our team

Phone01424 757400

Enquiry form

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