J Eileen Henry

Laparoscopic Ovarian Cystectomy...What Can You Expect After Laparoscopic Ovarian Cystectomy?

Every woman is different when it comes to what they will experience after having laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy. Some of the most common issues which will more than likely afflict patients will be pain around the site of the incisions, as well as feeling more sleepy than usual.

Many times, if a woman has been diagnosed with ovarian cysts, their doctor may not do anything other than 'wait and see' if the cyst either shrinks, or disappears completely within one to three months. Other times, a physician may prescribe birth control pills so that ovulation is prevented, attempting to alter the hormone levels so that the cyst will shrink without the need for a laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy. There may be times also, that the doctor will attempt to drain the fluid from the cyst using a needle.

However, after unsuccessfully trying one or more of these different treatments, a laparoscopic operation may need to be performed. Because women are always on the go, one of the first questions asked after being told that surgery is needed is...'how long until I am back to normal...what will the recovery be like?'

Every person is different as to what their particular experience will be like, but some of the more common occurrences within the first twenty four to seventy two hours may be:

~ pain near the incisions
~ nausea
~ dry, scratchy throat (from the anesthesia tube)
~ abdominal pain, possibly even cramping
~ bloated, distended feeling
~ tender navel area
~ vaginal bleeding, similar to a menstrual period
~ change in bowel habits
~ groggy, or more sleepy than usual

Laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy is still an operation, and therefore a patient should really expect to take it easy for a few weeks...at the very least, two. Heavy lifting should most definitely be avoided for the first two weeks. Some woman bounce back totally within a week, or so, but many woman report that they did not feel back to normal for a month after having the laparoscopic procedure.

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