Is the recurrence rate high after surgery for chocolate cysts?
Apr 17, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lv Aiming
Introduction
The recurrence rate of chocolate cysts after surgery depends on the surgical approach. For patients who wish to preserve fertility, conservative surgery that preserves reproductive function is performed, but the postoperative recurrence rate is as high as approximately 40%. For symptomatic patients under 45 years old who do not desire fertility, surgery preserving ovarian function is conducted, with a recurrence rate of about 5%. For severe cases in patients over 45 years old, radical surgery involving removal of the lesions, uterus, and bilateral adnexa is performed, which prevents recurrence.
Generally, the recurrence rate of chocolate cysts after surgery depends on the specific surgical approach used, such as fertility-sparing surgery, ovarian function-preserving surgery, or radical surgery. The details are as follows:
1. Fertility-sparing surgery
For young patients who wish to preserve fertility, fertility-sparing surgery can be performed by a specialist to remove the lesion and separate adhesions while preserving the uterus and at least one ovary or part of an ovary. However, the postoperative recurrence rate for this type of surgery can be as high as approximately 40%. Patients are advised to attempt pregnancy as early as possible after surgery and to use medication under medical guidance to reduce the risk of recurrence.
2. Ovarian function-preserving surgery
For patients under 45 years old with significant symptoms but no desire for future fertility, ovarian function-preserving surgery can be performed by a specialist. This involves removing the lesion and the uterus to relieve symptoms, while preserving ovarian tissue. The recurrence rate is typically around 5%.
3. Radical surgery
For severe cases in patients over 45 years old, radical surgery should be performed by a specialist to remove the lesions, the uterus, and both adnexa (ovaries and fallopian tubes). Recurrence is rare after this procedure.
After diagnosis, patients should actively seek treatment under a doctor's guidance to prevent disease progression and increased treatment difficulty.
