Ovarian Cyst Removal Surgery in Bangalore
Most ovarian cysts do not need surgery. They are fluid-filled sacs on an ovary, they are very common, and most go away within a few months without treatment. Surgery is considered when a cyst is large, keeps causing symptoms, does not settle on follow-up scans, or looks as though it may be cancerous. The usual aim is to remove the cyst and keep the ovary, so that hormones and fertility are protected. At Sai Speciality Center in Kasturi Nagar, Bengaluru, cysts are assessed by Dr. Kavitha Lakshmi Easwaran, MBBS, MD (OBG), and surgery is advised only when it is the right choice for you.
Quick answers
- Does every ovarian cyst need to be removed? No. Many cysts are watched with a repeat scan and disappear on their own.
- Can the cyst be removed without losing the ovary? Often yes. The surgeon removes only the cyst and keeps the healthy ovary where possible.
- Is it done by keyhole? Many cysts can be removed through small incisions with a camera. An open cut is used for very large cysts or when cancer is suspected.
- Will it affect my chances of pregnancy? Surgeons aim to preserve fertility. Tell your doctor if you plan a pregnancy before the operation.
- When is it an emergency? Sudden, severe pelvic pain, especially with vomiting, fever or fainting, needs urgent hospital care.
When Is Surgery Needed for an Ovarian Cyst?
Doctors consider removal when:
- The cyst is large or is still growing on repeat scans
- It causes pain, pressure, bloating or a swollen tummy that does not settle
- It has not gone away after a few months of follow-up
- It has an appearance on scan that raises concern, or blood tests suggest it needs a closer look
- It has twisted (torsion) or burst and is causing severe pain
- You have gone through menopause and the cyst looks suspicious
Cancerous cysts are uncommon, and the risk is slightly higher after menopause. A high result on a blood test for ovarian markers does not always mean cancer, because endometriosis, pelvic infection, fibroids and even periods can raise it. That is why scans, blood tests and your age are read together rather than one result alone.
Watching and Waiting Is Often the Right Plan
Functional cysts form during the menstrual cycle and are usually harmless and short-lived. If your cyst looks simple on ultrasound and you have no worrying symptoms, the usual plan is a repeat scan after some weeks. Surgery for a cyst that would have settled on its own adds risk without benefit, so a careful review of the scan is part of the consultation.
Some cysts are linked to other conditions. A chocolate cyst (endometrioma) is a sign of endometriosis, and many small follicles on the ovaries together with irregular periods may point to PCOS (PMOS). Treating the cause matters as well as the cyst.
Before the Operation
- Ultrasound, and sometimes an MRI or CT scan for a complex cyst
- Blood tests, including ovarian markers where the scan calls for them, and a haemoglobin check
- A pregnancy test, and a review of your medicines and other health conditions
- A discussion of fertility plans and of what will be done if the ovary cannot be saved
- Anaesthesia assessment
Types of Operation
- Ovarian cystectomy: only the cyst is removed and the ovary is kept. This is the operation most women with a benign cyst need.
- Oophorectomy: one ovary is removed. This may be needed if the ovary is badly damaged, has lost its blood supply after twisting, or the cyst cannot be separated safely.
- Removal of both ovaries: sometimes necessary, for example when cancer is suspected after menopause. This stops egg production and brings on menopause.
Draining a cyst with a needle is not usually advised for most cysts, because fluid often collects again. Most cysts are removed together with their lining, which also allows the tissue to be sent for laboratory examination.
Keyhole or Open Surgery
Where it is safe, laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery is preferred. It uses small incisions, usually means a shorter hospital stay, and allows quicker recovery. An open abdominal cut may be chosen for a very large cyst, extensive scarring, or when cancer is suspected and the cyst must be removed whole. Your surgeon will explain the route after reviewing your scans.
Fertility and Ovarian Cyst Surgery
Surgeons aim to protect fertility. Removing only the cyst keeps the ovary, and most women can conceive afterwards. Two points are worth knowing. First, cystectomy can slightly reduce the egg supply of that ovary, especially for endometriomas, so surgery for a small cyst without symptoms is weighed carefully. Second, if both ovaries must be removed, pregnancy with your own eggs is no longer possible. Discuss both points before the operation, and see our page on infertility evaluation if you are trying to conceive.
Recovery After Ovarian Cyst Removal
After keyhole surgery many women go home within a day or two and return to light activity within one to two weeks. After an open operation, the stay and recovery are longer. In the first weeks:
- Walk a little every day, and rest when you are tired
- Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise until your doctor allows it
- Expect some shoulder-tip pain and bloating after keyhole surgery, which settle in a few days
- Keep your follow-up appointment to review the laboratory report
Contact the clinic or go to hospital if you have fever, heavy bleeding, severe or worsening pain, a red or leaking wound, or vomiting that does not stop.
Risks of the Operation
Ovarian cyst surgery is generally safe, but any operation carries risks. They include bleeding, infection, a reaction to the anaesthetic, injury to the bowel, bladder or nearby blood vessels, and scar tissue (adhesions). Cysts can also come back, especially when the cause is endometriosis or PCOS (PMOS). Your surgeon will go through the risks that apply to you before you consent.
Ovarian Cysts in Pregnancy
Cysts are sometimes found on a scan during pregnancy. Most are harmless and are simply watched. Surgery in pregnancy is kept for cysts that twist, burst or look suspicious. If you are pregnant and have sudden one-sided pelvic pain, see a doctor the same day. Our antenatal care team can assess you.
Ovarian Cyst Surgery Near Banaswadi, KR Puram, Horamavu, Ramamurthy Nagar and Tin Factory
Sai Speciality Center is at 201-1, 1st A Cross, 2nd Main Road, East of NGEF Layout, Kasturi Nagar, Bengaluru 560043. Patients from Banaswadi, KR Puram, Horamavu, Ramamurthy Nagar, Tin Factory and Kalyan Nagar come to the clinic for gynaecological surgical consultations.
Meet the Surgeon
Dr. Kavitha Lakshmi Easwaran is a Senior Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist (MBBS, MD (OBG), Karnataka Medical Council registration 69643). Her approach is to read the scan carefully, avoid surgery that is not needed, protect the ovary and your fertility where possible, and explain each step before you decide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all ovarian cysts need surgery?
No. Most cysts are harmless and go away within a few months. Surgery is for cysts that are large, painful, persistent or suspicious.
Can an ovarian cyst be removed without removing the ovary?
Often yes. In a cystectomy only the cyst is removed and the healthy part of the ovary is kept. The ovary is removed only when it cannot be saved.
How long does it take to recover from ovarian cyst removal?
After keyhole surgery many women are back to light activity in one to two weeks. Open surgery takes longer. Your doctor will guide you on lifting, exercise and work.
Is ovarian cyst surgery done by keyhole?
Many cysts can be removed by keyhole surgery. Open surgery is used for very large cysts or when cancer is suspected.
Will I be able to get pregnant after ovarian cyst removal?
Most women can, because the ovary is usually kept. Surgery can slightly reduce the egg supply of that ovary, so tell your doctor about your plans before the operation.
What happens if an ovarian cyst bursts or twists?
Sudden, severe pelvic pain, sometimes with vomiting, fever or fainting, can mean a burst or twisted cyst. This needs urgent hospital care, and an emergency operation may be required.
Can an ovarian cyst be cancer?
A small number are, and the risk is higher after menopause. Scans, blood tests and your age are used together to judge the risk, and tissue from removed cysts is examined in a laboratory.
Can ovarian cysts come back after surgery?
Yes, particularly when the cause is endometriosis or PCOS (PMOS). Treating the underlying condition lowers the chance.
Can I avoid surgery with medicines?
Many cysts need no treatment. Hormonal medicines are sometimes used to stop ovulation in women who keep getting functional cysts, but they do not shrink existing cysts such as endometriomas. Your doctor will advise after your scan.
Where can I get an ovarian cyst checked near Banaswadi or KR Puram?
Sai Speciality Center in Kasturi Nagar sees patients from Banaswadi, KR Puram, Horamavu, Ramamurthy Nagar and Tin Factory. Call 80887 01001 or 99019 25700 to book.
Book a Surgical Consultation in Bangalore
If you have been told you have an ovarian cyst, or have been advised surgery, call 80887 01001 or 99019 25700, or use the contact page. Bring your scans, blood reports and any earlier opinions.
This page is general information, was last updated in October 2026, and does not replace advice from your doctor.
