An ovarian cystectomy is surgery that removes a cyst from the ovary while leaving the healthy ovarian tissue in place. It is usually done by laparoscopy through a few small abdominal incisions under general anesthesia. It is recommended for cysts that persist, grow, cause pain or look unusual on ultrasound, and the removed tissue is always sent for pathology.
- Approach
- Laparoscopic (keyhole) in most cases
- Duration
- About 1–2 hours
- Anesthesia
- General
- Hospital stay
- Same day to 1 night
- Back to desk work
- About 1–2 weeks
- Cost guide
- ₩1,500,000–4,000,000
What is an ovarian cystectomy?
A cystectomy carefully peels the cyst wall away from the ovary and removes it, then the ovary is left to heal. It differs from an oophorectomy, in which the whole ovary is removed. For women who want to keep their fertility and natural hormones, preserving the ovary is usually the goal.
Most ovarian cysts are harmless and many go away on their own. Our ovarian cyst page explains cyst types and when monitoring is enough; this page focuses on the surgery itself.
When is surgery recommended?
Your gynecologist may suggest a cystectomy if:
- A cyst persists over several cycles or keeps growing on repeated pelvic ultrasound
- The cyst is large or causing pain, pressure or bloating
- It looks like a dermoid cyst, an endometrioma or a cystadenoma rather than a simple functional cyst
- There are features on imaging or blood tests that need tissue diagnosis
- There is a risk of ovarian torsion (twisting)
If imaging suggests a possible cancer, referral to a gynecologic oncology team at a university hospital may be the safer path, and your doctor will explain this openly.
Common cyst types and how surgery helps
| Cyst type | Often managed by | Surgical notes |
|---|---|---|
| Functional (follicular, corpus luteum) | Monitoring; usually resolves in 1–3 cycles | Surgery rarely needed unless complications |
| Dermoid (mature teratoma) | Cystectomy when symptomatic or enlarging | Does not resolve on its own; careful removal avoids spillage |
| Endometrioma ("chocolate cyst") | Medication or surgery depending on size, pain and fertility plans | Linked to endometriosis; surgery may reduce ovarian reserve, so it is weighed carefully |
| Cystadenoma (serous or mucinous) | Cystectomy, sometimes oophorectomy | Benign in most cases; confirmed by pathology |
Your laparoscopic cystectomy, step by step
- Consultation and imaging Your history is reviewed in English, a transvaginal ultrasound is performed and blood tests (sometimes tumor markers) are arranged.
- Planning The surgeon explains the approach, the chance of needing to remove the ovary or convert to open surgery, and fertility considerations.
- Preparation Fasting for about 6–8 hours before general anesthesia; a pregnancy test is done on the day.
- Surgery Through small incisions, the abdomen is gently inflated with gas, the cyst is separated from the ovary and removed, usually in a retrieval bag.
- Recovery room You wake in the recovery area; many patients go home the same day or after one night.
- Pathology and follow-up Results are usually ready in about a week and explained in English, with a written report for your home doctor.
A persistent cyst enlarges the ovary and can cause pain, pressure or a risk of twisting.
The cyst is removed laparoscopically and the healthy ovarian tissue is preserved.
Recovery and risks
- Day 0–2 Abdominal soreness and shoulder-tip pain from the gas are common; walking helps.
- Week 1 Most daily activities resume; keep incisions clean and dry as instructed.
- Weeks 1–2 Many women return to desk work. Avoid heavy lifting and intense exercise for about 2–4 weeks, or as advised.
- Follow-up Wound check, pathology review and a plan for future monitoring.
Possible risks include bleeding, infection, injury to the bowel, bladder or blood vessels, conversion to open surgery, reduced ovarian reserve and recurrence of some cyst types, especially endometriomas. Laparoscopic technique is explained further on our laparoscopy page.
Cost and insurance for international patients
As a general guide, laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy costs about ₩1,500,000–4,000,000, depending on the cyst, anesthesia, length of stay and pathology. A written estimate is given after consultation.
- NHI-enrolled residents may have medically necessary surgery partly covered — see health insurance for foreigners.
- Itemized English receipts, a diagnosis and an operation certificate can be prepared for travel insurance claims.
At Yoonho Women's Hospital in Apgujeong, Seoul, cystectomy is performed within our surgical gynecology service.
Why international patients choose Yoonho
Frequently asked questions
Will a cystectomy affect my fertility?
Preserving the ovary is intended to protect fertility, and many women conceive afterward. Removing some cysts, especially endometriomas, can reduce ovarian reserve, so this is discussed before surgery.
How long will I stay in hospital?
Many patients go home the same day or after one night, depending on the surgery and how you feel.
When can I fly after laparoscopic cystectomy?
Many patients can fly about 1–2 weeks after an uncomplicated operation. Discuss your travel dates before booking surgery so a follow-up can be included.
Can the cyst come back?
Some cysts, particularly endometriomas, can recur. Follow-up ultrasound and, where appropriate, hormonal treatment may help.
Do I need surgery for every ovarian cyst?
No. Most simple functional cysts resolve on their own and only need monitoring. Surgery is reserved for persistent, large, symptomatic or unusual cysts.
OB-GYN Specialist · Ph.D. · Medical Director
Former Professor of OB-GYN, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine · Former editorial board member, AAGL · 11th President, Korean Society of Aesthetic Gynecology
Last reviewed: . This page is for general information and does not replace an in-person consultation.
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