Cystectomy

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Cystectomy

Ovarian cystectomy is a procedure to remove a cyst from a woman’s ovary. Ovarian cysts can be filled with fluid, blood, or more solid material. Most ovarian cysts will resolve without any treatment.

Cystectomy may be recommended when these cysts cause pain, menstrual changes, infertility, or other complications.

When performing cystectomy, the doctor typically removes only the cyst and not the ovary itself. The procedure is performed either by laparoscopy (a minimally invasive surgery) or by laparotomy (abdominal incision). The surgeon, usually a gynecologist, will determine which method to use.

Laparoscopy, the more common method, involves three to four small incisions (less than one inch) in the abdomen and may be performed on an outpatient basis (returning home the same day). Patients will need anti-inflammatory and possibly opioid medications following surgery. They can return to work in about a week.

With laparotomy, an incision is made on the abdomen, with the size of the incision determined by the size of the uterus. The incision may be vertical or horizontal. Laparotomy requires a one-to-two-day hospitalization.

Why choose UAB Medicine

UAB Obstetrics and Gynecology offers complete women’s health care, delivered by physicians and nurses dedicated to excellence. Our physicians are nationally recognized specialists in their fields, so you can rest assured that you are receiving the most advanced care available. Our program is consistently ranked among the best of its kind in the country by U.S. News & World Report.

As part of the UAB Division of Women’s Reproductive Healthcare, UAB Obstetrics and Gynecology’s services range from complete obstetric care to the medical and surgical treatment of complex gynecological concerns. Because UAB Medicine is a major center for research, patients may have access to promising new techniques and treatments not available at other medical centers. Our physicians are here for you at every stage of life, from your first gynecological exam to delivering your baby and helping guide you through menopause.

UAB Medicine’s Division of Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility (REI) is led by nationally recognized physicians who have years of experience diagnosing and treating both male and female infertility. We take a team approach to treating infertility, including expertise from a reproductive endocrinologist, urologist, genetic counselors, specialized nurses, and laboratory scientists.

We offer a variety of conventional fertility treatments, including corrective microsurgery. When treatment does not restore fertility, we may perform other procedures to help couples get pregnant, such as intrauterine insemination or in vitro fertilization (IVF). Our fertility experts will determine the best treatment plan for each patient’s needs.

As a major center for research, UAB Medicine continues to investigate new advances in fertility treatment aimed at increasing the chances of conceiving healthy babies.