I hope this information we have about the laparotomy will help you prepare for your operation Sugarsnap3 but if you'd like to find out more, our friendly and helpful cancer nurses are just a phone call away on 0808 800 4040, Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m.

Hopefully some of our members who have had this procedure will share their experiences and advice with you soon as well.

Kind regards,

Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

Hi there. I had one of my ovaries removed because of a massive Dermoid cyst. They managed it keyhole. I was going to go home the same day but was kept in overnight for observation as my blood pressure was low (normal for me). I was sore for about four days and recovered prob by a week. It wasn't cancerous.

Unfortunately my cyst can't be removed via keyhole surgery/laparoscopy but rather laparotomy which involves a much longer recovery time and risk of complications like blood clotting. I'm definitely disappointed it can't be removed via keyhole surgery tbh. Glad to hear that your cyst was benign. Hopefully, my cyst will be benign as well. It's dermoid so it's likely that it will be benign. 

Thanks for the link, I feel so nervous about the procedure especially the long recovery time, scar on my stomach, risk of blood clotting.. Trying not to think of it too much but it would be reassuring to hear any advice/tips from others at the time.