What to Do After Ovarian Cyst Removal Surgery?

Cyst removal is one of the most important major surgeries. Therefore, it is recommended that patients take enough rest after the surgery and give their body time to recover. Although the recovery time varies in every patient, it takes around 12 weeks for the body to heal completely after ovarian cyst surgery. In the case of surgery with general anesthesia, patients may feel dizzy, nauseous, and nappy for the first 12 hours. Post-surgery pain will improve by taking pain relievers such as ibuprofen within a few days. 

What Is an Ovarian Cyst Surgery or Ovarian Cystectomy?

An ovarian cyst removal surgery removes cysts from one or both ovaries.

Types of ovarian cyst removal surgery include:

Laparotomy (open surgery)

Open surgery is recommended when the cysts are large, numerous, or cancerous. During this surgery, the surgeon makes a large incision on the abdomen to access the ovary and check the cyst and surrounding areas. 

Laparoscopy (key-hole surgery)

A laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgery during which two or three small incisions are made on the abdomen and then the surgeon inserts a laparoscope (flexible tube with a camera) into the pelvic area to inspect the organs. This procedure is more helpful in terms of recovery and clinical outcome than a laparotomy.

What to Expect After an Ovarian Cyst Removal?

After the surgery, patients are asked to have a short walk for 10-15 minutes.

As the incision in a laparotomy is large, patients may be required to stay in the hospital for two to four days and resume their routine activities or work after four to six weeks.

In case of a laparoscopic ovarian cyst removal, a hospital stay will be short. Patients may experience less pain compared with those who have done a laparotomy. After laparoscopic surgery, patients can resume their usual activities within a day. However, they must avoid heavy activities or exercise for about four to six weeks.

Recovery may take a longer time in case of the following conditions:

• Having chronic diseases such as diabetes;
• Following wrong lifestyle behaviors such as smoking or excessive drinking;
• Being overweight at the time of surgery.

What Are Homecare Instructions After Ovarian Cyst Surgery Recovery?

Recovery time at home can be different. Following the cyst removal surgery, the patient should avoid putting pressure on their abdomen. They should also avoid physical activity for at least one week for laparoscopic and around six weeks for a laparotomy. They should also follow all post-operative tips, such as taking medicines for pain, following up on doctor appointments, and checking their incision for signs of infection. Sexual intercourse should also be avoided until the doctor says it is OK.

How to Speed Up the Ovarian Cyst Surgery Recovery?

To speed up recovery, patients should:

• Have a healthy diet that includes high-fiber foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables;
• Drink plenty of water every day;
• Change wound dressing regularly;
• Quit smoking to lower the risk of wound infection;
• Avoid drinking alcohol;
• Get regular exercise and physical activity to increase the strength of the muscles. 
• Avoid lifting, pushing, or pulling heavy objects for a few weeks;
• Avoid long trips over four hours because it may raise the risk of blood clotting in the legs;
• Follow the post-surgery instructions given by the surgeon.

When to Return to Work After Ovarian Cyst Surgery?

Patients can return to work four to six weeks after laparoscopic ovarian cyst surgery. However, patients who have to stand all day or pull, push, and lift heavy objects at work, should check with their doctor before going back to work.