The presence of pelvic masses can be frightening for women who are looking to get pregnant. In most cases, an ovarian cyst, or pelvic mass, is small and harmless, and produces no symptoms. An ovarian endometrioma is a type of ovarian cyst, also known as a chocolate cyst, that is filled with endometriotic fluid with a thick brown consistency. An endometrioma is just one of the ways endometriosis can present itself. Surgical treatment is often necessary, especially if fertility is to be maintained. If cysts get too large, twist (torsion), or rupture, immediate attention is needed. If not removed in a timely manner, an ovarian endometrioma can lead to invasive and destructive pelvic surgeries, which can cause partial or complete premature loss of ovarian function. Draining the cyst, instead of complete removal, can result in a high chance of the cyst returning.
The surgeons at The Center for Innovative GYN Care (CIGC®) have a niche focus in GYN techniques, such as minimally invasive cystectomy using DualPortGYN®, a laparoscopic technique that results in fast recovery with less pain. Our advanced techniques allow women to have minimally invasive cyst removal while retaining fertility.
Ovarian cystectomy refers to the removal of an ovarian cyst or tumor while preserving the ovary. The ovaries are a pair of small, almond-shaped organs in the female reproductive system that are responsible for releasing an egg on a monthly basis during a woman’s reproductive years. Another important function of the ovaries is to produce the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. These hormones are necessary for a woman’s menstrual cycle, pregnancy, bone health and overall health, and can affect body shape.
If you are presenting signs of infertility, seeing a minimally invasive GYN specialist to diagnose a complex GYN condition before beginning IVF treatments can help improve success rates of conceiving and carrying to term. The advanced, trained surgical specialists at CIGC have designed minimally invasive procedures to diagnose and treat possible causes of infertility — with the shortest recovery time — to help patients start a family sooner.
For women wanting to get pregnant, keeping the ovaries is imperative. At CIGC, every effort is made to preserve the ovaries for patients who desire fertility.
Laparoscopy can be very effective for cysts or pelvic masses involving the ovaries or fallopian tubes. Benign (non-cancerous) ovarian cysts can usually be removed while preserving the ovaries. However, patients with a family or personal history of breast or ovarian cancer — or prior histories of ovarian pain or scarring — may need complete removal at the time of surgery.
Most ovarian cysts and pelvic masses in premenopausal women are benign. Minimally invasive procedures allow patients to avoid large, open incisions for the removal of cysts, which decreases recovery times and pain. Women who have laparoscopic cystectomy at CIGC are able to return home the same day. Most patients are even back to work within seven days.
Many patients consider allowing their OBGYNs to perform their gynecological procedures. An OBGYN’s main focus is obstetrics, not GYN surgery. Because of their lack of training in minimally invasive techniques, most OBGYNs use open procedures, which can cause a painful recovery. Although ovarian cysts and endometriomas are a relatively common condition, a specialist is still preferred for performing this delicate procedure. It is important to find a GYN specialist, not a generalist.
The treatment of ovarian masses with laparoscopy can help women avoid difficult recovery and the increased complications associated with open surgery.
At CIGC, our surgeons are true specialists: They are board-certified, fellowship-trained, and concentrate completely on GYN surgery. When it comes to fertility, women have the opportunity to seek the best available treatment for endometriomas. If you’re trying to get pregnant and have signs or symptoms of ovarian cysts or endometriomas, book a consultation with our specialists to get the surgical expertise you deserve.
The CIGC state-of-the-art specialists are available at three locations in the DC metro area. Virginia patients can visit the Reston, VA location, and Saturday appointments are available. The Maryland office is located in Rockville, MD.
CIGC is dedicated to providing information and materials for women to help navigate the complicated healthcare system. The CIGC founders, minimally invasive GYN surgical specialists Dr. Paul MacKoul, MD and Dr. Natalya Danilyants, MD, developed their advanced GYN surgical techniques using only two small incisions with patients’ well-being in mind.
Their personalized approach to care helps patients understand their condition and the recommended treatment so that they can have confidence from the very start. Our surgeons have performed over 20,000 GYN procedures and are constantly finding better ways to improve outcomes for patients.
Book a consultation today with Paul MacKoul MD or Natalya Danilyants MD.
Dr. Paul MacKoul Reviews: Vitals | RateMDs | Google | Wellness | UCompare
Dr. Natalya Danilyants Reviews: Vitals | RateMDs | Google | Wellness | UCompare
Schedule a consultation to learn more about how we can treat your condition today.
