I am 64 My knowledge is just common. I strongly believe in the body being whole. I am struggling with yes or no to a hysterectomy and salpingo-oophorectomy for my dermoid cyst on one of my ovaries the right handside one.I would very much like to hear from anyone about my concern. My operation is for the 30th of August 2016 (next Tuesday). I am not in pain at all but was told that the cyst is the size of a baby's head. I have asked the doctor to perform a bikini cut and remove only the cyst and maybe with the ovarie but he is reluctant to do a sub-amblical midline laparotomy. I am thinking of cancelling the operation if he dose not agree to my request. I do not know if I am doing the right thing. I have a knee problem apart from that I am quite healthy no health problems or medications stronger than paracetamol. Apprfeciate your replies
I am 51 and had both ovaries a cyst and both tubes removed last year and a d&c and don't miss any of them. Love not worrying about ovarian cancer and I wasn't using any of it anyway. I was done with three tiny incisions and recovery was super easy
Hi
I can understand your concerns. It does sound like the dermoid needs to be removed, and it will have damaged your ovary (I would imagine) beyond repair but why do they want to do a hysterectomy? That would be my main question to them. I had a 9x9cm dermoid removed plus ovary (as it was so damaged) but no-one mentioned a hysterectomy and I was 55 at the time.
I did ask for a hysterectomy while she was doing the surgery but she would not do it as she said there was no need. Not sure why your dr wants to do it unless you are having problems
You are right to question this. And the problem is that you have no control once you are under anesthesia. I've been in your shoes and wish every day that I had listened to my inner voice and sought out a new gyn / surgeon. I would probably still be intact.
A surgeon who has good cystectomy skills should be able to cut the cyst away from your ovary and save your ovary. The ovaries produce hormones our whole lives and removal of any part of the "reproductive" system (even one ovary) can permanently disrupt the entire endocrine system (the ovaries are endocrine glands). There should be absolutely no reason to remove your uterus based on what you've said.
I cannot stress enough how my life has been shattered by the removal of my organs. Not only have I aged at breakneck speed, my bladder and bowels have never worked normally since. I have zero sexual desire and orgasms are disappointing if/when they happen. The severing of the pelvis' support structures / uterine ligaments has destroyed my figure and is the source of back and hip problems. I've lost my zest for life and have to force myself to do things every day. I've even lost the strong bonds with my husband and children. HRT helps with the classic menopausal symptoms but this is much more severe than natural menopause. I don't even think "surgical menopause" is an apt label.
Numerous studies show that removal of the ovaries does more harm than good when done for benign conditions. Of course, the younger one is at the time of surgery, the more harmful it is. But why lose any part(s) if it isn't necessary?
Best of luck getting care that restores your health versus causing a whole new set of problems.
Have you consulted with any other surgerons? If you're concerned, might be worth exploring your options. I'm 24 and my cyst is probably twice the size of yours (26cm long) and my right ovary and fallopian tube are too damaged and will also need to be removed, next Tuesday as well. I also have to have a laparotomy but I'm not sure if she's cutting vertically or horizontally at my bikini line. The cyst is sitting really high up in my abdomen, pressing on my diaphram. I asked about removing my left ovary too or even having a full hysterectomy but at my age they are reluctant to do so unless it was necessary. I don't ever want children and if I ever did, I would adopt but I feel like most surgeons are concerned will keep fertility as an option unless you're older, post menopause. However I don't feel like I want to risk developing another extremely large cyst on my left ovary either. Best of luck to whatever you choose.
vary confused and lost Its your body and you should be able to decide what you want removed or not if your surgeon wont do It the way you want find one that will.I just had the biggest scare of my life. I had a 37 cm cyst ( bigger than a basketball )on my left ovary and a 3 cm on my right ovary. the larger one had all the characteristics of cancer. I though about a hysterectomy and thought I didnt want any more growing and to worry about cancer ever again. We all have to make decisions that affect us dont let anyone make yours for you.Its your body.
Many thanks for your reply I am sorry for what you had to to go through and how you feel now. I was afraid of exactly the same of how I would be after the operation. I was supposed to have the operation on the 10th of June but I decided to wait because I did not agree to the surgeons decision. I was not given any choice of treaatment then again I thought maybe because of the size of the cyst that is why they decided to operate. I am grateful to you for now I will ask the surgeon to remove only the cyst if possible. I was asured that he is a good surgeon and if he is that good then surely he can do it. But he did mention that he did not want to burst the cyst. By the way he told me not believe everything on internet. But I had questions for him even before I went on line. Again I thank you very nuch for all you have said this has helped me a lot and my mind is more relaxed now and I will be making some serious decision.
Thank you for replying, I wish you well and lots of courage for the treatment. Mine was not clear at all to me. First of all the manual examination then the scan then the decision for surgery. I hope I make the right decision. I am glad my believes has been confirmed. I wish you too the best of luck
justfromerica are you sure you want everything removed at your age I wouldnt do it. They can keep a eye on you so that if you get another one they can remove it before it grows to fast and probably a smaller incision. That is something to ask your doctor about. Ask aged to fast any questions. I would really think about this. Its your body and your decision.
Thank you I will ask for the cyst to be removed and if possible save my ovary. I wish you the best of luck with your treatment and quick recovery
I wouldn't be opposed to removing everything but they aren't going to do it unless it was necessary. Just one ovary and one fallopian tube. I'm from Canada and I live in the US so cost it more of an issue for me. I don't want to have to have multiple surgeries while I'm living down here, this one is going to set us back already. We are moving back to Canada in a years time and I would have just gone to Canada to have this one removed for free had it not been so large.
I hace one cyst and the surgeon wants to remove my uterus the whole works. I wish they suggested treatment like yours which would have not made me wonder if it was for my well being or for organ examination I am glad for you but for me it's maybe because of its size
This I questioned the surgeon and he said it is for my safety the risk of whatever that may spread but he tokd me that it was not cancer so I really don't understand why a hysterectomy. Unless there is something that he isnt telling
justfromerica read aged to fast post to top00104 I had a aunt that had a hysterectomy at a young age and she said the same thing as aged to fast. I will be thinking about you on your upcoming surgery.
I dont understand myself I am not suffering at all and the GP found I quote (something not normal) after manually examaning my stomach, sent me off for a scan then decided surgery. If I have problems I would feel it, wont I? I Have a knee problem and I maybe a little over weight, dont see the GP often I have a medical certificate for my knee every three months and the strongers medication I take is paracetamol. Thats my medical history.
Did they send you for more bloodwork at all?
My cyst is 99% benign but they sent me for additional bloodwork and if they had suspected anything from that bloodwork, like the possibility of malignancy or borderline malignancy etc, they would be removing the cyst whole and probably all my reproductive organs as a precaution. My bloodwork all came back normal though.
My only thinking would be they found something "off" in bloodwork they may want to remove more organs as a precaution. Not to scare you or anything, just generally curious if that would be the reason or not.
justfromerica - I was told organ removal was necessary but my medical records prove it was not. The uterus, ovaries and tubes have MANY MORE functions than reproduction. And we need them our whole lives. I will be happy to explain those functions if you'd like.
I cannot imagine a surgeon removing your organs unnecessarily since you're only 24 but it does happen. Only about 10% of hysterectomies are necessary.
I was almost 50 when I had my surgery and was horrified how quickly I aged. People thought I was in my 30's at the time of surgery. By 4 months post-op I looked well over 60.
I wish I had listened to my inner voice and sought out a different surgeon. Regardless of whom I chose to do the surgery, I wish I had modified the surgical consent form to specify what organs could / could not be removed and under what circumstances (cancer / no cancer).
What's particularly shocking is that my surgeon waited for the results of the frozen section on the cyst / ovary. And then when it came back benign he proceeded to remove the rest of my organs with the help of gynecology residents.
I mean, I don't want to jump the gun but I also don't want to have constant issues with my ovaries either. I'm hoping this is an isolated incidient. I am young and I don't want to go through a bunch of hormonal changes but I also don't want to deal with this again either. It's no fun. My right ovary and fallopian tube in this case is destroyed by this massive cyst, so that I expect, but the surgeron said my other ovary was perfectly fine and no need to remove it.
I just reread your posts. Some thoughts, I know your surgery is days away but think these are important.
If there is nothing of concern with your uterus and other ovary they should not be removed. If the surgeon is removing 'for your protection' without a substantial reason trust your instincts. Get a second opinion. Is the surgeon a general surgeon or a gynecological specialist. (Big difference).
It's not unheard of to postpone for second opinion. Your cyst is large and has likely destroyed that ovary. Obviously the surgeon needs to see what's going on inside before knowing, for sure, that everything else is ok. But to just say, precautionary removal with no solid evidence or explanation why that is necessary would make me seek alternate counsel (opinion).
I know you are dealing with a lot right now and I am sure the size of your abdomen is uncomfortable. So cyst/ovary removal is acceptable. But since you have no other symptoms I would more likely expect a more conservative approach, sections while on the table. Negative, confirming benign cyst close you up. If not different story. But all you've been told indicates a benign condition. If your surgeon isn't telling you everything and glossing over something I would find another surgeon. This is not something you should cancel and let go, but you have to trust your surgeon and partner with him/her. Not be pushed into accepting a procedure just because it easiest for the surgeon. Sounds like you're in otherwise good health and should tolerate the procedure well. So fight to preserve all that is otherwise normal.