Ovarian Cyst Specialist
Ovarian Cyst Specialist in Sydney – Surgical Assessment and Ovarian-Conserving Treatment
Most ovarian cysts resolve. The ones that reach a surgical consultation have not.
By the time a woman is referred to an ovarian cyst specialist in Sydney, she has usually had at least one ultrasound, a follow-up scan three months later, and a conversation with her GP about whether to wait longer or act. The cases that arrive at this practice are the ones where waiting has reached its clinical limit.
Not All Ovarian Cysts Are The Same Problem
The clinical management of an ovarian cyst depends almost entirely on what type of cyst it is, not simply how large it is. Size matters, but morphology, patient age, symptoms, and fertility intentions all shape the decision.
The main categories seen at Medgyne:
| Cyst type | Characteristics | Surgical relevance |
|---|---|---|
| Functional cyst | Follicular or corpus luteum origin | Usually resolves; surgery if persistent or symptomatic |
| Endometrioma | Endometriosis-related, chocolate cyst | Surgical excision is typically indicated |
| Dermoid cyst | Contains tissue such as hair or fat | Removal recommended regardless of symptoms |
| Serous or mucinous cystadenoma | Epithelial origin, can grow large | Surgical removal with histological assessment |
| Complex cyst | Mixed solid and cystic components | Requires urgent surgical evaluation |
A simple functional cyst in a 28-year-old is a different clinical picture from a complex cyst with solid components in a perimenopausal woman. Treatment decisions at this practice are made on that basis, not on size alone.
When Is Surgery the Right Decision?
Watchful waiting is appropriate for a defined group of ovarian cysts. It is not appropriate for all of them.
Surgical assessment becomes the correct path when:
- The cyst has not resolved after two to three menstrual cycles
- Ultrasound morphology shows complex, solid, or irregular features
- The cyst measures above 5 to 6cm and is causing symptoms
- An endometrioma is confirmed or strongly suspected on imaging
- The cyst has caused or is at risk of ovarian torsion
- CA-125 or other tumour markers are elevated in context
As an ovarian cyst specialist in Sydney, Dr. Tanushree Rao assesses each case against these clinical criteria before recommending an operative pathway. The goal of surgery, where possible, is to remove the cyst while preserving functional ovarian tissue.
Ovarian Conservation During Cystectomy
Removing a cyst and removing an ovary are not the same procedure. Cystectomy, the surgical removal of the cyst wall while leaving the ovary intact, is the preferred approach for women of reproductive age where the cyst morphology permits it.
This matters particularly for endometriomas. Repeated or aggressive surgery on an endometrioma-bearing ovary can reduce ovarian reserve. The operative technique used at this practice prioritises the preservation of healthy ovarian cortex wherever the pathology allows.
For cysts where malignancy cannot be excluded preoperatively, the surgical approach is planned with that possibility in mind, including intraoperative frozen section where indicated.
Laparoscopic Cyst Removal
Ovarian cystectomy at this practice is performed laparoscopically. Small incisions, direct camera visualisation inside the pelvis, and precise instrument handling through the ovarian capsule without open surgery.
Recovery from laparoscopic cystectomy is typically one to two days in hospital and two weeks before returning to normal activity. The specifics depend on cyst size, whether the ovary required repair, and whether concurrent pathology like endometriosis was found and treated at the same procedure.
Incidental endometriosis is found in a significant proportion of women undergoing laparoscopy for ovarian cysts. Where this occurs, excision is performed in the same operative setting rather than requiring a second procedure.
Women diagnosed with endometriomas or complex pelvic disease may also benefit from assessment by an endometriosis specialist in Sydney to determine the most appropriate surgical approach.
Surgical Credentials And Consultation Access
Dr. Rao holds MBBS, MS, MICOG, MRCOG (UK), and FRANZCOG qualifications. Her practice as an AGES-accredited laparoscopic and robotic surgeon covers the full scope of operative gynaecology, with ovarian cyst management forming part of a broader surgical pathway.
As an ovarian cyst specialist in Sydney, she consults at four locations across the metropolitan area and Southern Highlands:
- Sydney South West Private Hospital, Liverpool
- St George Private Hospital, Kogarah
- Macquarie University Hospital, North Ryde
- Southern Highlands Hospital, Bowral
GP referrals and self-referrals are both accepted.
Other Areas We Serve
In addition to consultations across Sydney, Dr. Rao provides specialist care for women seeking an ovarian cyst specialist in Liverpool, Kogarah, or a surgeon in Macquarie Park, with access to advanced minimally-invasive treatment at the most convenient consulting location.
Book a Surgical Consultation Today
Phone: (02) 8104 1330
Email: admin@medgyne.com
Where ovarian cysts are associated with other complex gynaecological conditions, treatment options may also include robotic hysterectomy in Sydney when clinically indicated as part of an individualised surgical plan.
Please bring your most recent ultrasound report and any prior imaging to your appointment. If your cyst has been under observation and has not resolved, a consultation with an ovarian cyst specialist in Sydney is the appropriate next clinical step.
