An ovarian cystectomy is the surgical removal of an ovarian cyst while preserving the ovary. Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs on or within an ovary and are extremely common — most are functional (related to normal ovulation) and resolve on their own. However, some cysts — endometriomas (chocolate cysts from endometriosis), dermoid cysts, or cystadenomas — need surgical removal. A cyst may also be removed if it is large (over 5–6 cm), persists beyond 3 months, causes significant pain, or has suspicious features on ultrasound. At Charak Hospital, we perform laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy, preserving as much healthy ovarian tissue as possible to protect your fertility.
When Is Cyst Removal Needed?
- Persistent cyst larger than 5–6 cm after 3 months of observation
- Endometrioma (chocolate cyst) associated with endometriosis
- Dermoid cyst (teratoma)
- Cyst with complex features — solid areas, thick walls, or septations on ultrasound
- Cyst causing significant pelvic pain or torsion (twisting of the ovary)
- Ruptured cyst with internal bleeding
- Infertility evaluation finding a significant cyst
Types of Ovarian Cysts Requiring Surgery
Endometrioma (Chocolate Cyst)
Caused by endometriosis — old blood accumulates in the ovary. Associated with infertility and pelvic pain. Laparoscopic cystectomy removes the cyst wall to reduce recurrence.
Dermoid Cyst (Mature Teratoma)
Contains tissue such as hair, skin, and teeth. Rarely malignant but grows slowly and can cause torsion. Removed laparoscopically with careful preservation of normal ovarian tissue.
Cystadenoma
Fluid-filled benign tumour of the ovary (serous or mucinous). Can grow very large. Removed laparoscopically if benign features; open surgery or oophorectomy considered for suspicious features.
Laparoscopic Ovarian Cystectomy — Step by Step
- General anaesthesia administered
- 3–4 small incisions (5–12 mm) in the abdomen
- Laparoscope inserted for clear visualisation of the ovary and cyst
- Ovarian cortex opened and cyst wall carefully peeled away from normal tissue
- Cyst removed intact into a laparoscopic bag to prevent spillage
- Normal ovarian tissue preserved and bleeding controlled
- Abdominal ports closed; procedure takes 30–90 minutes
Recovery & Aftercare
Most women are discharged within 24–48 hours of laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy. Mild soreness and bloating for 3–5 days is normal. Return to light work within a week, full activity in 2–3 weeks. Fertility is generally well-preserved when a cystectomy rather than oophorectomy (ovary removal) is performed. The removed cyst is sent for histopathology to confirm it is benign.
Why Choose Charak Hospital?
- NABH-accredited facility
- Senior gynaecology team
- Laparoscopic & advanced surgical options
- 24×7 emergency care
- Full NICU & PICU backup
- Transparent treatment planning
- Compassionate multilingual staff
- Affordable, transparent pricing
Frequently Asked Questions
No—the majority of ovarian cysts, especially simple fluid-filled ones under 5 cm in women of reproductive age, resolve on their own within 2–3 menstrual cycles and only require watchful waiting with repeat ultrasound. Surgery is recommended when a cyst is large (typically >6–8 cm), does not resolve, grows rapidly, causes severe pain, shows features suspicious for cancer, or has twisted (ovarian torsion—an emergency). Your gynaecologist will guide you based on the cyst's characteristics.
The vast majority of ovarian cysts—especially in young women—are benign (non-cancerous) and completely harmless. Simple cysts are almost never cancerous. Certain cyst types (dermoid, endometrioma, complex cysts with solid components) need closer evaluation but are still usually benign. Blood tests like CA-125 and a thorough ultrasound help assess risk, and a specialist can reassure you after reviewing your results.
Yes—ovarian cystectomy is designed specifically to remove the cyst while preserving as much healthy ovarian tissue as possible, which protects fertility. Unlike removing the entire ovary, a cystectomy leaves your ovary intact and functioning. Most women conceive successfully after the procedure, and your doctor will advise the appropriate waiting period (usually 1–3 months) before trying.
Yes—particularly endometriotic cysts (chocolate cysts) have a known tendency to recur; approximately 30% return within 5 years. Simple functional cysts can also form again in future cycles—this does not mean the surgery failed. Your gynaecologist may recommend hormonal therapy after surgery for endometriomas to reduce the chance of recurrence.
Most ovarian cystectomies today are performed laparoscopically (keyhole surgery) under general anaesthesia, using 2–3 small cuts in the abdomen. The surgeon carefully removes the cyst without damaging the surrounding ovarian tissue. In rare cases—very large cysts or when cancer is suspected—open surgery may be needed. The procedure typically takes 30–60 minutes.
A ruptured ovarian cyst usually causes sudden, sharp pelvic pain—often on one side—and may cause some internal bleeding. In most cases, the body reabsorbs the fluid naturally and the pain settles within a few days with rest and pain relief. However, if bleeding is significant or the pain is severe, go to an emergency department immediately, as surgery may be needed. Ovarian torsion (twisting) is a more serious emergency that also causes sudden severe pain.
After laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy, most women return home the same day or within 24 hours and can resume light activities in 1–2 weeks. Full recovery is usually within 2–4 weeks. Open surgery requires a longer recovery of 4–6 weeks. Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity until cleared by your surgeon.
Many ovarian cysts cause no symptoms at all and are found incidentally on an ultrasound done for another reason. When symptoms do occur, they include pelvic pain or pressure (often one-sided), bloating, a feeling of fullness, pain during intercourse, irregular or painful periods, and frequent urination. Sudden, severe pain—especially with nausea and vomiting—may indicate a ruptured cyst or torsion and needs immediate medical attention.
A large ovarian cyst can cause visible abdominal swelling that may look like weight gain but is actually fluid. Endometriotic cysts associated with PCOS/PCOD can contribute to the hormonal imbalances that make weight management difficult. Simple small cysts do not cause weight gain directly. Treating the underlying cause—whether PCOD or endometriosis—usually helps with weight management.
The cost of laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy in India typically ranges from ₹50,000 to ₹2,00,000 depending on hospital tier, city, cyst complexity, and surgeon experience. In Lucknow, the costs are generally lower than in metro cities. Charak Hospital offers experienced laparoscopic gynaecological surgeons with affordable, transparent pricing.
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