Ovarian Cyst Aspiration

Ovarian cysts require attention because some of them can twist or rupture, bleed, and create a medical emergency.  Other cysts that persist can interfere with normal ovarian function and impair a woman’s ability to conceive by producing hormones that prevent normal egg release from the ovary, for example.

In this procedure, performed under local anesthesia (numbing at the site rather than sedation) the physician first places an ultrasound probe attached to an aspiration needle into the patient’s vagina.  Ultrasound enables the physician to clearly detect where the cyst is for best placement of the needle.  The physician then advances the needle through the vaginal wall into the ovary to drain fluid from the cyst.