Kathmandu, December 16

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs or pockets in an ovary or on its surface which sometime create a great problem for women.

Many women have ovarian cysts at some time while most ovarian cysts present little or no discomfort and are harmless.

In most of the cases, cysts disappear without treatment within few months.

“Ovarian cysts appear in women during their reproductive age especially between 15 to 45 years,” said Dr Gehanath Baral, a gynecologist at Paropakar Maternity and Women’s Hospital.

There is no exact reason for development of cysts in women’s ovary but they appear and disappear during menstrual period due to hormonal changes.

He said cysts can develop into tumor if they do not disappear after menstruation. This situation could also lead to infertility in women. “Patient must have early check-ups and consult doctors for diagnosis, if symptoms of cysts are seen,” the doctor said.

The number of patients undergoing surgery of cysts has been increasing in recent years. Nearly 50 to 60 patients are on waiting list for the surgery of cysts at Paropakar Maternity and Women’s Hospital alone.

“I perform two to three surgeries for cysts in a week,” he said. Mostly the women aged between 20 to 40 years are diagnosed with ovarian cysts.

Most of the women, who visit hospital complaining untimely menstruation, pain in abdomen and fullness or heaviness in abdomen, heavy bleeding during menstruation, are diagnosed with cysts.

“There is only one laparoscopy machine available at the hospital which was brought four years ago,” said Pragya Pradhananga, a biochemical engineer at the hospital.

Due to the lack of equipment, manpower and operation theater, the hospital conducts only three surgeries of cysts in a day and others have wait for their turn.

“We have only four operation theaters in the hospital which is insufficient during critical situation so we are compelled to admit fewer patients suffering from ovarian cyst for treatment,” said Chandra Gurung, the chief administrator at the hospital.

Till August 2017, hospital has conducted 52 laparoscopy surgeries.