Laparotomy for 8cm complex ovarian cyst – questions

[Chorlton_]

Hello

I am currently undergoing various tests at the hospital however it’s looking very likely that I will need to have laparotomy surgery for an 8cm complex ovarian cyst.

I would be grateful to hear some advice please regarding this for both preparation pre-surgery and recovery post-surgery please.

In terms of information about me I am 48 years old and still having periods.

I have some questions regarding this:

•I will need a general anaesthetic and wondered will I need to have a catheter fitted for the surgery?

•How long are most people typically in hospital for regarding this surgery assuming everything goes well (fingers crossed). For example, one night, two nights or longer?

•How much discomfort will this be say in the first week after surgery. I live on my own and will ensure I have lots of pre-prepared meals in or will I even struggle to get out of bed?

•In terms of how much time I am likely to book off work initially. I am thinking along the lines of 6 weeks off work and then a phased return to work (my job is desk based). I can then book more time off if that is required but initially I am thinking 6 weeks – does that seem about right?

•I believe peppermint tea/capsules can help with bloating post surgery so I will ensure I take these too.

Thank you for any help and guidance anybody can give me.

[Chorlton_]

To add I am aware there is the risk the cyst could be cancerous and I will take this one step at a time however it would be good to be prepared so that I'm aware what I may feel like post surgery.

Thank you for any replies.

[EndoSuckss]

Hi!

I had a large endometrioma removed in my first lap so can try and answer these questions for you

1) You will have the lap done under general, however, it's highly unlikely that you'll need a catheter afterwards.

2) It's typically done as day surgery so you'll be in and out without an overnight stay

3) If you keep on top of your pain relief in the first week, then you'll be uncomfortable but manageable. So pre-prepared meals is a good idea

4) The fit certificate given post-lap is initially 2 weeks. In my experience (I've just had my second) this is the perfect amount of time off from my desk based job. For an active job, they may offer more straight away. I've just had my second lap and was back at work on day 15 with no I'll effects

5) The bloating in the first few days after surgery is unreal - almost worse that the actual op lol! Peppermint tea is a good idea

Good luck with your Lap! If you have any more questions then please ask x

[MagicTea]

I had laparoscopic surgery to remove 8cm complex cyst and stage 4 endo.

The cyst damaged my ovary and they had to remove that. It took 3 hours to remove the cyst alone. I did have a catheter in when I woke up and had to stay in hospital overnight. I had 4 incisions a larger one near the ovary area. I struggled getting out of bed as it hurt the pull myself up. I placed a pillow behind and in front of me to stop me rolling onto my side in my sleep. Better for me to sleep on my back. I felt groggy for a week post op. Just used paracetamol and ibuprofen post op as can’t take some things. I had 8 weeks off work and was struggling with nerve pain but they prescribed amitriptyline which was brilliant for me. Really helped. Went back

To work full time (desk job also) and felt physically ok but quite tired. I think you need someone to stay with you the first 24 hours post op to ensure you’re ok, I’m sure the hospital suggest that. Any questions please ask. I’m

Now about 10 weeks post op and feel so much better. The hospital gave me an initial sick note for 4 weeks GP extends I’d required

Take care

Kelly

[Pinky171]

Hi

I have just recently left hospital. I had extensive deep infiltrated endometriosis removed and my right ovary was suspended. I stayed in for 2 nights/ 3 days. I had a catheter fitted for the first 24 hours before removal. Now im home I am much more mobile perhaps ive overdone it! Everyone heals differently but the best advice I can give you is to make sure you have everything ready before. Fresh towels pjs etc for when you get home and of course lots of ready meals although to be honest my appetite has been extremely limited. Taking into hospital make sure you have large sanitary pads, slippers, a nightie as opposed to pjs so they dont rub your tummy, I also took some saniwipes for my hands as your literally refined to your bed for the day if you have a catheter. I think 6 weeks is realistic obv depending how the surgery goes. Good luck hope this helps xx

[ciaotuffy]

So a laparotomy is different than a laparoscopy procedure. The laparotomy is a larger incision that cuts thru skin and muscle of the abdomen v laparoscopy which is usually 4 smaller incisions. The recovery time will be longer with laparotomy since the cut is deeper. You'll also probably stay overnight or a couple days at the hospital until you can get around better. It will be painful to sit up or do anything that requires ab muscles. I had 2 laparoscopies which was much easier to recover from than the c-section. But the laparotomy might be more similar to a c section. Just a few tips-After my laps, I carried around a little pillow to hold my tummy when I had to ride in the car, sit up, cough, etc.

-Check out some videos on an easier way to get out of bed after abdominal surgery.

-Wear baggy dresses or loose fitting pants/tops.

-Take it easy on your tummy the first few days and take a stool softener as needed. The first bm could be painful and pain meds could clog you up.

-but stay on top of the pain meds as needed

-try to get up and walk when you can.

Good luck with your surgery!