Advanced
Ovarian Cystectomy
Safely remove painful or complex ovarian cysts while carefully preserving your healthy ovarian tissue and future fertility.
Medically reviewed by Mitra’s specialist panel · Updated 2026
All-Inclusive Surgical Package
₹1 – 1.5 Lakhs
Transparent pricing based on the size, type, and complexity of the cyst. Our priority is minimally invasive (laparoscopic) removal for the fastest recovery.
What is an Ovarian Cystectomy?
An ovarian cystectomy is a precise surgical procedure performed to remove fluid-filled sacs or pouches (cysts) that develop on the ovary. While many cysts go away on their own, some persist, grow large, or become painful, requiring removal.
Our primary goal during this procedure is to extract the cyst completely while leaving the healthy ovarian tissue intact. This approach is vital for women who want to preserve their natural hormone production and their ability to get pregnant in the future.
Conditions Addressed
Cysts can form for a variety of reasons. Your doctor will likely recommend surgery if a cyst doesn’t resolve or if it relates to conditions such as:
Targeted Precision
Removing the problem while saving the ovary
The Procedure, Step by Step
Most ovarian cystectomies are performed laparoscopically. If the cyst is exceptionally large or suspicious, an open abdominal approach (laparotomy) may be required. Both are performed under general anesthesia.
Anaesthesia & Access
You are placed under general anesthesia. For a laparoscopic procedure, the surgeon inflates the abdomen with CO₂ gas to create space and inserts a tiny lighted camera near the belly button.
Locating the Cyst
Making 2-3 additional small keyhole incisions (less than half an inch), the surgeon inserts specialized tools and uses the camera to safely locate and inspect the cyst on the ovary.
Cyst Removal
The surgeon carefully separates the cyst wall from the healthy ovarian tissue. The cyst is then extracted through one of the small incisions. The tissue may be sent to pathology for testing.
Deflation & Closure
The surgeon ensures bleeding is controlled, deflates the abdominal gas, and closes the small incisions with dissolvable stitches and a protective bandage.
What to Expect
Ovarian cystectomy is a common and very safe procedure. It provides crucial pain relief and protects your ovary, though it’s important to understand the surgical risks involved.
Benefits
- Relieves Pelvic PainEliminates the sharp or dull aching pain caused by large, persistent cysts.
- Preserves Your OvaryCarefully leaves the healthy part of the ovary intact, safeguarding your hormones and fertility.
- Prevents EmergenciesStops the cyst from rupturing or causing ovarian torsion (twisting), which can be extremely painful.
- Rules Out CancerAllows the tissue to be safely removed intact and tested in a lab for peace of mind.
- Fast RecoveryWhen performed laparoscopically, patients often return to their normal lives within 1 to 3 weeks.
Possible Risks
- Ovary Removal (Oophorectomy)If the cyst is too entangled with the ovary, the entire ovary may need to be removed to ensure your safety.
- Cyst RecurrenceThe specific cyst is removed permanently, but new cysts can form in the future if underlying conditions (like PCOS) persist.
- Infection or BleedingAs with any surgery, there is a small risk of bleeding or irritation and infection at the incision sites.
- Organ InjuryA very low risk exists for accidental damage to the fallopian tubes, bladder, or bowels.
- Surgical ConversionThe surgeon may need to safely switch from a laparoscopic to an open procedure if the cyst is too large or complex.
Your Recovery Journey
If you undergo a laparoscopic cystectomy, recovery is generally swift. An open cystectomy will require a longer recovery period. Here is the typical timeline for the laparoscopic approach.
After waking up from anesthesia in the recovery room, you’ll be monitored for a few hours. Most patients having laparoscopic surgery can go home the same day. If you had open surgery, you will stay overnight.
You may feel soreness in your belly and shoulder pain (caused by the CO₂ gas used during surgery). Resting, taking prescribed pain medications, and doing short walks around the house will help ease this discomfort.
By the second week, most women feel significantly better and can resume light activities, including returning to desk work. You should still avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise.
At your follow-up appointment, your doctor will check your incisions. Once cleared, you can safely return to all normal activities, including heavy lifting, intense exercise, and sexual intercourse.
When to Call Your Doctor
Complications after an ovarian cystectomy are rare, but it is important to monitor your recovery. Contact your Mitra Care team immediately if you experience any of the following warning signs:
A fever above 38.5°C (101.3°F) or flu-like symptoms may indicate an infection.
Bleeding that is much heavier than a normal menstrual period, or soaking through a pad an hour.
Pain in your abdomen that becomes severe, sharp, or does not respond to prescribed painkillers.
The area around your incisions becomes very red, swollen, hot to the touch, or begins leaking pus.
Inability to empty your bladder, severe pain when doing so, or persistent nausea and vomiting.
Sudden pain, redness, throbbing, or extreme swelling in one of your legs (signs of a blood clot).
Frequently Asked Questions
We believe an informed patient makes the best decisions. Here are answers to common questions about ovarian cystectomy.
No, the surgery itself aims to preserve your ovary and your fertility. However, the underlying condition causing the cysts (like endometriosis or PCOS) can sometimes impact your ability to get pregnant. Our surgeons prioritize protecting your healthy ovarian tissue.
The specific cyst removed during surgery will not grow back. However, because your ovary remains intact, it is possible for new cysts to form in the future depending on your hormonal cycles and conditions like PCOS.
The vast majority of cystectomies are performed laparoscopically, which is minimally invasive. An open surgery (laparotomy) is usually only required if the cyst is extremely large, or if your doctor suspects the cyst may be cancerous and needs to remove it intact.
Ovarian torsion happens when a large cyst causes the ovary to twist, cutting off its own blood supply. This causes sudden, severe pelvic pain and is a medical emergency. Removing large cysts prevents this from happening.
If your procedure is laparoscopic, it is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, meaning you can go home on the same day. If open surgery is required, you will likely stay in the hospital for 1 to 2 nights to monitor your recovery.
Laparoscopic vs. Open Cystectomy
While our goal is always minimally invasive surgery, understanding the difference between surgical approaches clarifies your treatment plan.
| Feature | Laparoscopic Cystectomy Mitra Preferred | Open Cystectomy (Laparotomy) For Complex/Large Cysts |
|---|---|---|
| Incision Size | Tiny keyhole cuts (5–12 mm) | Large abdominal cut |
| Recovery Timeline | Shorter (1-3 Weeks) | Longer (6-8 Weeks) |
| Hospital Stay | Usually Outpatient (Same-day) | Typically 2-4 days |
| Post-Op Pain | Mild to Moderate | High (Requires strong medication) |
| Scarring | Minimal (Almost invisible over time) | Prominent abdominal scar |
| Best Used For | Most benign cysts, endometriomas | Massive cysts, suspected cancer |
Book Your Consultation Today
Is an ovarian cystectomy right for you? Meet with our expert gynaecology panel to evaluate your ultrasound, discuss your symptoms, and receive a customized, fertility-preserving treatment plan.