Ovarian Cyst Removal

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.

• Care notes
• Ambulatory
• Discharge
• Español

This surgery, also called ovarian cystectomy, is used to remove a cyst from your ovary. You may have pain, swelling, or bruising where the surgery was done. You may also have some spotting and may need to wear a pad. This is normal and should go away in a few days.

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) for any of the following:

• You have chest pain when you take a deep breath or cough, or you cough up blood.
• You feel lightheaded and short of breath.

Seek care immediately if:

• You have heavy bleeding, or bleeding that does not stop.
• You have severe abdominal pain that does not go away, even with medicine.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

Call your doctor or gynecologist if:

• Your arm or leg feels warm, tender, and painful. It may look swollen and red.
• You have vaginal discharge that is dark or smells foul.
• You have a fever.
• You have swelling in your arms or legs that does not go away after a few days.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Medicines:

You may need any of the following:

• Antibiotics prevent or fight an infection caused by bacteria.
• Acetaminophen decreases pain and fever. It is available without a doctor's order. Ask how much to take and how often to take it. Follow directions. Read the labels of all other medicines you are using to see if they also contain acetaminophen, or ask your doctor or pharmacist. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage if not taken correctly.
• NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask your healthcare provider if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions.
• Prescription pain medicine may be given. Ask your healthcare provider how to take this medicine safely. Some prescription pain medicines contain acetaminophen. Do not take other medicines that contain acetaminophen without talking to your healthcare provider. Too much acetaminophen may cause liver damage. Prescription pain medicine may cause constipation. Ask your healthcare provider how to prevent or treat constipation.
• Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

Self-care:

• Apply ice to your incision areas. Ice helps relieve pain and swelling, and prevents tissue damage. Use an ice pack, or put crushed ice in a plastic bag. Cover the bag with a towel before you apply it to your skin. Apply ice for 15 to 20 minutes every hour, or as directed.
• Do not lift heavy items. Your surgeon may tell you not to lift anything heavier than 5 or 10 pounds for several weeks.
• Follow your surgeon's directions for daily activities. Your surgeon will tell you when it is okay to drive, have sex, or return to other daily activities. You may not be able to return to work for a few weeks. This depends on the kind of job you have, and if you had laparoscopic or open surgery.

Follow up with your doctor or surgeon as directed:

You may need tests to check your ovary or other reproductive organs. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Further information

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