OVARIAN CYST OR TUMOR REMOVAL

General Information

DEFINITION--Removal of cysts on an ovary.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Ovary, pelvis.

REASONS FOR SURGERY

• Cancer or suspected cancer in the ovaries.
• Rupture or twisting of an ovarian cyst.

SURGICAL RISK INCREASES WITH

• Adults over 60.
• Stress; obesity; smoking.
• Poor nutrition; alcoholism,
• Recent or chronic illness.
• Use of drugs such as: antihypertensives; muscle relaxants; tranquilizers; sleep inducers; insulin; sedatives; beta-adrenergic blockers; or cortisone.
• Use of mind-altering drugs.

What To Expect

WHO OPERATES--Obstetrician-gynecologist or general surgeon.

WHERE PERFORMED--Hospital.

DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

• Before surgery: Blood and urine studies; CT scan of pelvic organs; laparoscopy or culdoscopy; ultrasound; x-rays of chest, lower abdomen and lower intestinal tract; culdocentesis (See Glossary for all).
• During surgery: Laboratory examination of removed tissue by frozen section (See Glossary).
• After surgery: Blood studies.

ANESTHESIA--General anesthesia by injection and inhalation with an airway tube placed in the windpipe.

DESCRIPTION OF OPERATION

• An incision is made in the abdomen. The abdominal muscles are separated and the peritoneum is opened.
• Blood vessels supplying the ovaries are located, clamped and tied.
• The tumor or cyst in the ovary is located, cut free and removed or the cyst may be destroyed by electrocauterization (See Glossary). If examination reveals signs of cancer, the ovary is removed.
• The peritoneum is closed, and the abdominal muscles are sewn together with heavy sutures.
• The skin is closed with sutures or clips, which usually can be removed about 10 days after surgery.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Excessive bleeding.
• Surgical-wound infection.
• Recurrent cancer.

AVERAGE HOSPITAL STAY--5 to 7 days.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Expect complete healing of surgical wound. If cancer is detected, your doctor will prescribe treatment with radiation or anticancer drugs. Allow about 4 weeks for recovery from surgery.

Postoperative Care

† Move and elevate legs often while resting in bed to decrease the likelihood of deep--vein blood clots.

† You may use non--prescription drugs, such as acetaminophen, for minor pain.

† To help recovery and aid your well--

being, resume daily activities, including work, as soon as you are able.

• Avoid vigorous exercise for 6 weeks after surgery. > Resume sexual relations when your doctor determines that healing is complete.

DIET--Clear liquid diet until the gastrointestinal tract functions again. Then eat a well--balanced diet to promote healing.

Call Your Doctor If

† Pain, swelling, redness, drainage or bleeding increases in the surgical area.

• You develop signs of infection: headache, muscle aches, dizziness or a general ill feeling and fever.
• You experience nausea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal swelling or hot flashes.
• New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.