An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac that develops on an ovary. Sometimes, it may contain blood, teeth, hair and fats. Ovarian cystectomy is a surgical procedure performed to remove cysts from an ovary.
Which are developed as part of the menstrual cycle. These includes follicular and corpus luteal cysts and are common and harmless and would usually disappear spontaneously.
Such as endometriotic cysts (contain thick, dark brown material) and dermoid cysts (contain teeth, hair and fat)
Which are formed as a result of abnormal cell growth
Most ovarian cysts are non-cancerous (benign).
The risk of ovarian cancer is higher in postmenopausal women. Regular ultrasound scans and blood tests are usually recommended to monitor the ovarian cyst.
Surgical removal of the cysts may be needed if they’re large, causing symptoms or potentially cancerous.
Removal of cyst, known as cystectomy, is a surgical procedure to remove a cyst from the ovary. This can be performed over open, laparoscopic, robotic surgery.
The management of ovarian cysts depends on the symptoms, characteristics of the cyst and results of blood tests.
Small asymptomatic ovarian cysts (less than 5cm) that have no suspicious features on ultrasound may be managed expectantly. This may be an ultrasound performed every 3 weeks over a 4 month period.
Surgery will be recommended if the ovarian cyst is large (more than 5cm) and/or symptomatic or has abnormal features.
Laparoscopic cystectomy is the approach of choice if the risk of malignancy is low, as it is associated with less post-operative pain and a faster recovery. Our specialists are accredited to perform laparoscopic surgery.
Laparotomy may be recommended if there are concerns about abdominal adhesions or if the ovarian cyst is large or if it has suspicious features.
If the risk of ovarian cancer is high, your doctor will discuss frozen section (examination of excised ovarian tissue while you are still under general anaesthesia) and surgical staging (removing the uterus, both fallopian tubes and ovaries, the omentum, appendix as well as lymph nodes.
Obstetrician & Gynaecologist Singapore
BMBS (AUS), M.MED (O&G, SG), FRCOG (UK), FAMS (SG)
Dr Daniel Koh is a specialist obstetrician and gynaecologist with dual subspecialty interests in reproductive medicine and maternal-fetal medicine.
He received his specialist training at the largest Women’s Health hospital in Singapore – KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital. He has performed numerous complex gynaecological procedures including ovarian cystectomy, myomectomy, and hysterectomy, using minimally invasive techniques where appropriate.
Dr Koh completed his medical education from the prestigious Flinders Medical School and holds medical registration in Australia. He has won multiple awards for his exemplary performance and received numerous compliments from patients for his genuine care.
Providing a comprehensive suite of services to prioritise your needs and comfort at every step of the way in your fertility journey.
Antenatal care & delivery, maternal & fetal medicine including high-risk pregnancies and fetal screening
Abortion, family planning, abnormal Pap smears, fibroid and ovarian cyst management
Heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia), prolonged menstruation, intermenstrual bleeding, painful menstruation (dysmenorrhea), post menopausal bleeding
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