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Ovarian Cyst Treatment in Surrey

Expert care from Mr Sumit Kar, FRCOG, MRCOG, MD (Obs & Gynae), MBBS

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that develop on or within the ovaries. They are extremely common, with most women developing at least one cyst during their lifetime. While many cysts are harmless and resolve on their own, some require medical attention or surgical treatment. As a Consultant Gynaecologist with over 25 years of experience and a Diploma in Gynaecological Endoscopy, Mr Sumit Kar provides comprehensive assessment and treatment of ovarian cysts. His expertise in minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery means most cysts can be removed through keyhole surgery, preserving ovarian tissue and ensuring faster recovery.

Symptoms

  • Pelvic pain or aching - may be constant or intermittent
  • Bloating or a feeling of fullness in the abdomen
  • Painful or irregular periods
  • Pain during intercourse
  • Frequent need to urinate
  • Difficulty emptying the bowels
  • Sharp, sudden pain if a cyst ruptures or twists (ovarian torsion)
  • Feeling full quickly when eating
  • Many cysts cause no symptoms and are found incidentally

Diagnosis

  • 1Detailed medical history and symptom assessment
  • 2Pelvic examination to feel for enlarged ovaries
  • 3Transvaginal ultrasound scan - the primary imaging tool for ovarian cysts
  • 4Blood tests including CA125 tumour marker in certain cases
  • 5MRI scan for complex cysts requiring detailed evaluation
  • 6Assessment using IOTA (International Ovarian Tumour Analysis) rules to characterise cyst type

Treatment Options

Watchful Waiting

Simple functional cysts often resolve on their own within 2-3 menstrual cycles. Regular monitoring with ultrasound ensures the cyst is reducing in size and not developing concerning features.

Medical Management

Hormonal contraception may help prevent new functional cysts from forming. Pain relief medication can manage symptoms while a cyst is being monitored.

Laparoscopic Cystectomy

Keyhole surgery to remove the cyst while preserving the healthy ovarian tissue. This is the preferred surgical approach for most benign cysts, offering smaller incisions, less pain, and faster recovery compared to open surgery.

Laparoscopic Oophorectomy

Removal of the entire ovary may be recommended for very large cysts, those with suspicious features, or in post-menopausal women. This can usually be performed laparoscopically.

Urgent Surgery

Emergency surgery may be required for ovarian torsion (twisted ovary) or a ruptured cyst causing significant bleeding. Early intervention can help save the ovary in cases of torsion.

What to Expect

During your initial consultation, Mr Kar will take a detailed history of your symptoms and any previous investigations. A pelvic examination and ultrasound scan are typically performed during the first appointment to assess the cyst's size, location, and characteristics. Mr Kar will explain your diagnosis and discuss all available treatment options, from watchful waiting to surgical intervention. If surgery is recommended, he will explain the procedure in detail, including whether laparoscopic cystectomy (removing just the cyst) or oophorectomy (removing the ovary) is most appropriate. For most benign cysts, Mr Kar's expertise in minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery means the procedure can be performed through small keyhole incisions. This results in less post-operative pain, smaller scars, and a quicker return to normal activities. Treatment decisions are always made in partnership with you, taking into account your symptoms, fertility wishes, and personal preferences.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The most common are functional cysts (follicular and corpus luteum cysts) which form during the menstrual cycle and usually resolve on their own. Other types include dermoid cysts (containing tissue like hair or teeth), endometriomas (chocolate cysts related to endometriosis), and cystadenomas (benign tumours). Each cyst type has different characteristics and treatment approaches.
The vast majority of ovarian cysts are benign (non-cancerous). Cancerous cysts are more common in post-menopausal women. We use ultrasound features, blood tests, and specialised scoring systems to assess whether a cyst has concerning features requiring further investigation.
Most ovarian cysts don't affect fertility. However, endometriomas (related to endometriosis) can impact fertility, and large cysts may need treatment before conception. After laparoscopic cystectomy, ovarian function is usually preserved, allowing normal fertility.
After laparoscopic cystectomy, most women go home the same day or the following morning. You can typically return to normal activities within 1-2 weeks and resume exercise after 2-3 weeks. Open surgery requires longer recovery of 4-6 weeks.
The chance of recurrence depends on the cyst type. Functional cysts may recur as they are related to normal ovarian function. Endometriomas have a recurrence rate of about 20-30% over 5 years. Dermoid cysts rarely recur if completely removed.
Seek immediate medical care if you experience sudden severe pelvic pain, pain with fever or vomiting, dizziness or fainting, or rapid breathing. These could indicate a ruptured cyst or ovarian torsion, which require urgent assessment and possible emergency surgery.

Nearby Clinic Locations

Mr Sumit Kar offers this service at private clinics in Surrey. Find your nearest location:

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