An ovarian cyst is a fluid filled pocket within the skin of ovary which typically results from ovulation.  Ovarian cysts often cause discomfort, pain or bloating.  They typically resolve on their own after breaking but occasionally they persist and may grow large.  Ovarian cysts are a usually the outcome of a normal process during the menstrual cycle when the ovary is getting prepared to ovulate.  Ovarian cysts often break on their own and new cysts can form on either ovary on a monthly basis.  If you have a cyst that is not going away, growing larger, bleeding, or causing pain, you may need to have it removed.

A Laparoscopic Ovarian Cystectomy is a type of minimally invasive surgery in which small incisions between 0.5 to 1 cm are made on the abdominal wall through which an instrument called a laparoscope can be placed.  The laparoscope allows the surgeon to visualize inside the abdomen and pelvis.  The abdominal cavity is able to be visualized by filling it with an absorbable gas, typically, carbon dioxide.  Small instruments can be placed through the small incisions allowing the surgeon to remove an ovarian cyst while leaving most of the remaining ovary intact which is essential for fertility.  Patients must receive general anesthesia during the procedure and typically go home the same day.

The advantages of laparoscopy over traditional abdominal ovarian cystectomy surgery include a shorter post-operative hospital stay, a shorter recovery interval and less pain.   Also since smaller instruments are used,  more ovarian tissue can be spared and scarring can be minimized.