Ovarian cysts: At what size should they be surgically removed?

The first step is to try to get rid of the ovarian cyst with hormones: Progestogens, for example, cause them to shrink, and the pill can also usually get rid of them. Only if all else fails, or if the cyst is eight centimetres or more in size, does surgery make sense. The procedure leaves hardly any scars: in the so-called single-port method, the cyst is removed through a mini incision in the navel.

Ovarian cysts: How long does the operation take and how long do you stay in hospital?

It is a minor procedure that is usually performed laparoscopically, i.e. by means of laparoscopy under general anesthesia, and takes around 45 minutes. The removal of cysts is a routine procedure, so the patient can usually be discharged after a day of observation. Of course, the prerequisite is always that there are no complications after the operation. As with all operations, you should take it easy physically after your stay in hospital. Discuss with your doctor what sports you can do individually.

Cysts: What are the causes and do they hurt?

We usually don't even notice ovarian cysts because they don't hurt, are very small and disappear again after the next cycle. As a rule, hormone fluctuations are the cause of the fluid-filled blisters - which is why they often develop during puberty or shortly before the menopause. Cysts are often discovered by chance during an ultrasound examination. And even if a cyst is a few centimetres in size, it does not have to be operated on straight away. Here too, the chances are good that it will disappear on its own. However, if ovarian cysts reach a certain size, they can press on surrounding organs such as the bladder. Cramps or pulling in the abdomen, back pain or pain during sexual intercourse can also be observed.

Observing the cysts is important

However, if the blister is still there after one or two cycles, it should be observed. This is because it could have burst, especially if there is sudden, colicky pain with nausea - in which case a quick intervention is necessary to stop the internal bleeding. In women over the age of 40, a larger, untreated cyst can, in rare cases, become malignant and lead to ovarian cancer. For this reason, the doctor is more likely to recommend removal.

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