Ovarian Cyst Surgery - Open surgery is one of the recommended surgeries to remove ovarian cysts.  Laparotomy  is the opening of the abdomen and cystectomy is removal of the cyst. If the doctor evaluates that there is a need to remove the ovaries, then  oophorectomy is done. This means the removal of both ovaries.

A series of blood test is given to the patient to ensure that the patient will be able to withstand the ovarian surgery. Clotting factors are evaluated to prevent bleeding and hemorrhage. The patient also is checked whether she is anemic to be able to know if the cells are in its best during the procedure and that there will be no alteration of consciousness after the anesthesia has worn out. Through blood test, it is also determined if the patient has infection or prone to one. This will prompt the physician to prescribe medications for the patient.

The night before the ovarian cyst surgery, the patient is advised not to take anything orally. This includes water, food and medications. Ensuring that nothing is taken will prevent aspiration tendencies during the ovarian cyst surgery.  If the patient vomits during the surgery, it is most likely that she will swallow the contents directly because of the halted gagging reflex as a result of the anesthesia. The swallowing may reach the lungs and cause death.

On the day of the ovarian cyst surgery, the patient will be given preoperative medications before being sent to the operating room. Then, when the anesthesia is inducted, she will no longer be conscious of the procedure.

The surgeon, on the other hand, begins to prepare the site for opening. A horizontal incision is made to open the abdomen and locate the ovary. The cyst is removed from the walls of the abdomen by using a knife or a cautery pen. Then once the cyst is removed, the opened abdomen is closed through suturing. The specimen will then be sent for biopsy to determine whether it is benign or cancerous.

The patient is then cared for signs of bleeding and infection. Pain is also monitored after the surgery as it is expected that the anesthesia will wear off 4-6 hours after ovarian cyst surgery.

Understanding the surgery will make the woman fear less about it. This will also make her understand the consequences of the ovarian cyst surgery. Open surgery is just one of the suggested treatments for ovarian cyst. Whether it is the most recommended treatment, it is still best to consult your doctor about it.

OVARIAN CYST POST –SURGICAL CARE - Women who underwent surgery for ovarian cyst needs as much  post-surgical care which is similar to the care given to then prior to surgery. Women who has consulted  medical advice usually are recommended with laparotomy (open surgery) or laparoscopy (removal through viewing and small incisions). Whether what type of surgeries they underwent, the priorities of  care are the same.

Bleeding is one sign which needs to be watched out for after the ovarian cyst surgery. The wound dressing will be soaking with blood if bleeding occurs. The incision site is constantly checked and assessed for presence of blood. The sutures should be kept clean and free from blood. If bleeding occurs, replace the wound dressing with a clean one and tape it firmly on the incision  for counter pressure and then call the physician right away.

Infection is a priority also for post-surgical patients for ovarian cyst. The first sign of infection is fever, therefore we monitor the patient’s temperature constantly. To ensure that the patient will not suffer such, it is a must the incision site be kept clean and dry. The wound dressing that covers the incision site should be clean and dry as well. When the patient has fever, antipyretics are given to lower the temperature. Sponge bath is also given for the same purpose. If the fever persists, then the doctor is being called for further assessment.

Pain is considered much in post-surgical care as well for ovarian cyst. The moment the anesthesia wears off on its capability to mask pain, the patient will be in great discomfort. Analgesics are provided to decrease pain. Splint the abdomen with pillows each time the patient coughs. This will decrease incision pain felt through forceful coughing.

Other  problems will include proper nutrition, hygiene and even boredom..But  to take care of post-surgical ovarian cyst patients means we have to think ahead of them as to what they will be feeling next. Each woman decides what to do with the cyst herself and in doing such ,  a great amount of anxiety was felt. Now, that finally the ovarian cyst has been removed, helping them understand the effects is also an effective way for them to be independent in caring for themselves.