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 ovarian cyst surgery 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 ovarian cystectomy 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 and What Does it Treat?

An ovarian cystectomy is a surgical procedure involving removing an ovarian cyst. An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac that develops on or within the ovary. Most ovarian cysts are benign and do not cause any symptoms. However, in some cases, the cysts can grow larger, cause pain, or rupture, leading to complications.

Ovarian Cyst Surgery can be performed using traditional open surgery techniques or minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques.

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. Then, the surgeon inserts a laparoscope (flexible tube with a camera) into the pelvic area to inspect the organs. This procedure is more helpful regarding recovery and clinical outcomes than a laparotomy.

Read more: How to Treat Ovarian Cyst? [Medications + Natural Remedies]

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.

Ovarian cyst removal recovery time in hospital stay will be short in case of laparoscopic surgery. Patients may experience less pain compared with those who have had 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. The patients may also experience sore throats due to the irritation of the tube passed down the throat during anesthesia, which throat lozenges can manage.

They should also avoid physical activity for at least one week for laparoscopic and around six weeks for a laparotomy. Patients should also follow all post-operative tips, such as taking medicines for pain, following up on doctor appointments, eating light, easily digestible food, and checking their incisions 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 returning to work.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ovarian Cyst Surgery

1. Will I lose weight when they remove the ovarian cysts?

The removal of an ovarian cyst may not directly cause weight loss. However, cyst removal can improve hormonal balance in some cases and may lead to weight loss.

Also, ovarian cyst surgery can cause stress on the body. Therefore, it is common for patients to experience some weight fluctuations after surgery due to factors such as fluid retention, changes in appetite, or changes in physical activity levels during recovery time.

2. How long does ovarian cyst surgery take?

The duration of ovarian cyst surgery can vary depending on the size and location of the cyst, as well as the extent of the surgery. Laparoscopic surgery usually takes 1-2 hours, while open surgery may take longer.

3. What type of anesthesia is used for ovarian cyst surgery?

Ovarian cyst surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia.

4. Can ovarian cysts return after surgery?

There is a chance that ovarian cysts can return after surgery, especially if an underlying condition causes the cyst. Patients can manage and monitor ovarian cysts after surgery by following post-operative instructions.

5. Can I resume normal activities after ovarian cyst surgery?

The doctor will provide the patients with specific instructions on when to resume normal activities after ovarian cyst surgery. They may need to avoid physical activity, lifting heavy objects, or sexual activity for some time after surgery.