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Surgery for Ovarian Cysts
When an ovarian growth or cyst needs to be
closely looked at, a surgeon can do so through a small incision using
laparoscopy or through a larger abdominal incision
(laparotomy). Either type of surgery can be used to
diagnose problems such as
ovarian cysts,
adhesions,
fibroids, and pelvic infection. But if there is any
concern about cancer, you may have a laparotomy. It gives the best view of the
abdominal organs 
and the
female pelvic organs . Then, if the doctor finds ovarian cancer, he or she can
safely remove it.
During surgery, a noncancerous cyst that is causing symptoms can be removed (cystectomy), leaving the ovary intact. In some cases, the entire ovary or both ovaries are removed, particularly when cancer is found.
| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: October 12, 2010 |
| Medical Review: | Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology | |
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