Procedure prep
Fasting Before Ovarian Cyst Removal
Ovarian cyst removal, or cystectomy, takes out a cyst while usually keeping your ovary in place. It is most often done by keyhole (laparoscopic) surgery, and a little preparation tonight makes tomorrow go more smoothly.
Fasting for this procedure
→ Get your exact fasting times with the calculator
Medicines to check
- Blood thinners (aspirin, clopidogrel, warfarin, Eliquis, Xarelto) — see medications to stop.
- Diabetes medicines & insulin — they need a plan. See diabetes tablets.
- Blood pressure medicines — confirm which to take with a sip of water.
- Estrogen, HRT, or the combined contraceptive pill — these can raise clot risk, and your team may ask you to stop them in advance.
- NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) — these can increase bleeding, so check whether to pause them.
- Herbal & over-the-counter supplements (fish oil, vitamin E, ginkgo) — mention them, as some affect bleeding.
When this surgery may be delayed
- A positive or unknown pregnancy test — you'll usually have a test on the day
- Fever, a new cough/cold, or a chest infection
- Vomiting or diarrhea in the day or two before
- Eating or drinking outside your fasting window
- A new skin infection or rash over the tummy
Reports & documents to carry
- Photo ID and your insurance or hospital paperwork
- A list of all your medicines, doses, and any allergies
- Any recent scans or reports (pelvic ultrasound, CT/MRI, blood tests)
- A responsible adult to drive you home, since you'll have had general anesthesia
- Loose, comfortable clothing and any sanitary pads you may need
What to ask your anesthesia team
- Will this be keyhole, and what happens if it needs to become open surgery?
- Will my ovary be kept, and how does that affect fertility or periods?
- Which of my regular medicines should I take or hold tomorrow morning?
- Can I go home the same day, and do I need someone to drive me?
- When can I eat, drink, and get back to work or exercise?
Your prep checklist
Tick things off as you sort them — saved on this device only, nothing is sent anywhere.
A general guide — your hospital's own instructions always come first.
Frequently asked questions
Will I lose my ovary during a cystectomy?
Usually no — the aim of a cystectomy is to remove only the cyst and keep the healthy ovarian tissue. Occasionally, if the ovary is badly damaged or the findings are concerning, more may need to be removed, and your surgeon will discuss this possibility with you beforehand. Ask your team what they expect in your specific case.
Why does my shoulder hurt after keyhole surgery?
During keyhole surgery, harmless CO2 gas is used to inflate your abdomen so the surgeon can see clearly. Some of that gas can irritate the nerve near your diaphragm, which is felt as aching in the shoulder or shoulder-tip. It is common, not dangerous, and usually settles within a day or two as the gas is absorbed — gentle walking and the pain relief your team suggests can help.
Could my keyhole surgery turn into open surgery?
Sometimes. If the cyst is large, stuck down by scar tissue, or the view isn't clear, your surgeon may switch to a larger open incision for your safety. This is not a complication but a careful decision made in the moment. Your team will explain the chance of this for your situation.
Why do I need a pregnancy test before surgery?
A pregnancy test is routine before this type of surgery and anesthesia, because being pregnant can change the plan and the medicines used. It is a standard safety step, not a judgment. If there's any chance you could be pregnant, let your team know.