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Your doctor may do the following:

• Physical exam
• Review of medicines
• Blood tests
• Urine test
• CT scan—a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of organs
• Ultrasound—a test that uses sound waves to examine the abdomen
• Electrocardiogram (ECG, EKG)—a test that records the heart's activity by measuring electrical currents through the heart muscle

Talk to your doctor about what action should be taken if cancer is found during surgery. One option is to remove the ovary.

Leading up to the surgery:

• Talk to your doctor about your medicines. You may be asked to stop taking some medicines up to one week before the procedure, such as:
  • Aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs
  • Blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin)
  • Clopidogrel (Plavix)
• Arrange for a ride to and from the hospital. Also, arrange for someone to help you at home.
• Do not eat or drink for at least eight hours before the surgery.

• General anesthesia—blocks pain and keeps you asleep through the surgery; given through an IV in your hand or arm

The doctor will make a cut in the abdomen. The abdominal muscles will be separated, and the abdomen will be opened. The doctor will locate, clamp, and tie the blood vessels that supply the ovary. (Note: This step is not always needed.)

Next, the cyst will be removed. In some cases, the doctor will also remove a sample of tissue for testing. If cancer is found, one or both ovaries (if cysts are on both ovaries) may be removed. Lastly, the doctor will use stitches to sew the abdominal muscles. The incision area will be closed with stitches or staples.

After the procedure, you will be given IV fluids and medicines while recovering.

1-2 hours

You will have abdominal pain and discomfort for 7-10 days. Your doctor will give you pain medicine.

2-3 days

Recovery may take 3-4 weeks. When you return home, do the following to help ensure a smooth recovery:

• Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions.
• Ask your doctor about when it is safe to shower, bathe, or soak in water.
• Gently wash the incision area with mild soap and water.
• Move and elevate your legs while in bed. This will lessen the chance of blood clots.
• Take prescription pain medicine only for as long as needed. Take over-the-counter pain relievers (such as ibuprofen, naproxen) if the pain is mild.
• Avoid strenuous exercise for 2-6 weeks.
• Do not drive until your doctor states this is safe.
• Do not resume sexual activity until your doctor says it is okay. You may need to wait two weeks.
• Follow your doctor's guidelines for ultrasound tests. These may need to be done if it is likely that the cysts will return.