Dermoid Cysts-successful scope removal size limit

[Gamy78]

I have two dear old tumors-one is 55x52x40 cm and the other one is measuring 90x82x54 cm.  I have had both an ultrasound and CT but am waiting for my appointment with a surgeon on July 8.  

Does anyone know what the "limit" would be on cyst size to be successfully removed with a scope?  I haven't been able to find much information.  Obviously I'd rather have a scope than a laparotomy but I'm trying to prepare myself for either.  Thanks!!

[Gamy78]

Yes, I forgot to add decimal points.  Dr. Visit is on 7/8 so will post what she has to say.  Thanks!

[old_before_my_time]

I suspect those numbers are in mm not cm. I had a 9.5cm cyst removed via laparotomy. But I often wonder if a different surgeon could have removed it via laparoscope (and not hacked up the rest of my body parts either). I made the life-altering mistake of putting way too much trust in my gyn of 20 years. :(

I don't know what the size cut-off is for laparoscopic vs. laparotomy but I suspect the surgeon's skill plays into it to some degree as well as the type of cyst. Since dermoid cysts are benign, it seems they could cut them into pieces to remove them through the tiny incisions...not so with cysts that have suspicious traits and could be malignant (even though very few are).  

And regardless of surgical method, hopefully your surgeon will save your ovaries or enough of them to provide you with the life long production of their health promoting hormones. The ovaries produce hormones our whole lives although some gyn procedures can "short circuit" them.

I hope your surgery goes well! Please keep us posted.

[Gamy78]

DERMOID not "dear old" but maybe they are old, who knows?  :-). Also, I am 38 and have had a tubal ligation so I'm not concerned with future fertility.