Cystectomy - Cyst Removal Surgery

Overview

What are cysts? Cysts are sacs that form in the skin or anywhere in the body. They can be filled with fluid, air, or other material. There are many reasons why a cyst may form. However, the most common reasons include blockages in ducts, swollen hair follicles, and infection.

Why?

Most cysts will not need surgery to be removed – they can be treated by drainage or fine-needle aspiration depending on the type of cyst. The types of cysts usually treated by surgery include ganglion, Baker’s, and dermoid cysts. Some cysts can be treated with laparoscopic surgery (such as ovarian dermoid cysts).

All surgeries, whether they be big or small, carry risks. For cyst removal surgery, these typically include:

What to expect prior to your surgery

You may need to take antibiotics before surgery. Routine blood work is usually not needed but may be ordered prior to surgery based on the patient's age and the presence of any existing medical problems.

Doctors usually do cyst removal on an outpatient basis (you’ll be able to go home after the surgery). Before your surgery, a nurse will clean the affected area and administer a local anesthetic so that you won’t feel any discomfort during the procedure.

The procedure

The surgeon will make an incision on the skin above or near the cyst to either drain or remove it. The skin may be sutured closed and covered with steri-strips and a gauze dressing or surgical glue. If you have more than one cyst, they can often all be removed during the same visit.

After the procedure

Recovery time for cyst removal will vary, but you should feel back to normal within a few days to weeks depending on the size of the cyst. Be sure to keep the area clean and dry to avoid the possibility of infection. Itchiness or soreness is common, however let your doctor know if you experience swelling or excessive pain.

You will need to arrange for a ride home the day of your surgery and we recommend someone stay with you for the first 24 hours at home. When you leave the facility after surgery, we will want you to go home and rest. Avoid making any other plans on the day of your surgery. Starting the following day, you can increase your activity as you feel up to it.

You will likely be given a prescription for pain medication following your surgery. The recovery nurse will discuss a pain control plan following surgery specific to you and your needs including activities like ice applied over incisions and a medication regimen. Oftentimes we will recommend taking Tylenol and Advil (same as Motrin, Ibuprofen) or Aleve in addition to the narcotic pain medication.

Lastly, know that there is a high likelihood you will be left with some kind of scar. The size of the scar will largely depend on the size of the removed cyst.