J Eileen Henry

Laparoscopic Ovarian Cystectomy - Is it a Diagnostic Test Or is it a Treatment For Ovarian Cysts?

If an ovarian cyst is suspected by the doctor, there are a few different options that they might choose to help confirm the cysts presence. Sometimes, more than one test is needed, in fact there are times that all of the diagnostic tests are utilized.

There are tests that can be done to confirm the presence of a cyst on the ovary and at times the test may signal the need for a laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy. Although the laparoscopic procedure is not as invasive as the more conventional, open surgery, or laparotomy...it is still an operation. Any surgery can have certain risks that go along with it and complications can arise. A drawback to laparoscopic cystectomy is that cysts can possibly return following the procedure.

An ovarian cyst is normally discovered during a routine gynecological pelvic examination, but sometimes it is the symptoms that prompt a woman to seek medical attention. Some symptoms can indicate an emergency and therefore require that immediate help is obtained. Other times, further tests are needed to confirm that a cyst is present.

A pelvic ultrasound is normally one of the first diagnostic procedures that a doctor might suggest. A thin rod, or probe is inserted through the vagina towards the ovaries and the uterus, giving the physician a much better view, so that they can see the size, shape and where the cyst is located. With this type of ultrasound it is sometimes possible to determine if the cyst is filled with fluid, or if is it solid.

An MRI, or Magnetic Resonance Imaging is at times more likely to pinpoint and define abnormalities than other imaging methods, and may be used to clarify the ultrasounds results.

A doctor may order a blood test to determine if the cyst could possibly be cancerous. CA-125 is a protein in the blood, and a blood test by the same name is given to women in a higher risk category...those older than 35. The test might also be administered to a patient who has a cyst that is either partially, or totally solid. A CA-125 test is not always accurate though, because other common gynecological problems that are not normally cancerous, like uterine fibroids and endometriosis might also elevate the CA-125 levels in the blood.

Finally, a laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy may be used to actually diagnose the cyst, as well as treat it. A very thin lighted scope is inserted through a small incision around the navel. The surgeon can remove the cyst at the same time as they confirm the presence of it. Although this sounds like the optimal solution, it still poses risks, as well as complications, because it is a surgical procedure.

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