J Eileen Henry

Are There Any Benefits to Having Laparoscopic Ovarian Cystectomy?

Are there benefits to having a laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy over the more typical, open surgery? Why should a woman choose this type of procedure, if given an option? There are a few positive aspects to having a laparoscopy, as opposed to a laparotomy.

A cyst refers to a tumor, or growth on, or near the ovary that is filled with fluid. When a woman is diagnosed with an ovarian cyst, many factors play a part in deciding the best possible treatment option. There are several different remedies available, some do not require an operation. However, quite often surgery is the only option. Laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy, is a surgical procedure that is not as invasive of a procedure as the conventional open surgery, or laparotomy.

Laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy is still considered surgery, even though it is primarily done as an outpatient, without requiring a hospital stay. That is one of the benefits to having a laparoscopic procedure.

Another advantage that this minimally obtrusive operation has over the traditional surgery is the recovery time is generally less than half of the time needed for a laparotomy. Usually having a laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy means there is less pain, therefore many women return to their normal activities in their lives much quicker. The majority of women are feeling themselves in two to four weeks.

There is a reduced chance for postoperative infections, also, because the procedure is not as intrusive as open surgery.

A laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy is cosmetically more appealing to a patient because the incisions are very tiny, usually smaller than one half inch. The surgeon normally needs to make three, or possibly four of those cuts to effectively remove the cyst.

Some women report constipation as a side effect of the typical open surgery, however this is not nearly as much of an issue with a laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy. Most times, medication is to blame for bowel problems following any procedure, and because not as much medicine is needed to control the pain with a laparoscopy, the fact that this complication is reduced, also becomes an advantage.

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