Concierge gynaecology · UK
Private laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy, ovary and fertility preserved.
Keyhole removal of an ovarian cyst by a consultant RCOG gynaecologist — the cyst comes out, the ovary stays in. Endobag retrieval as standard, and a fertility-first plan agreed before you consent.
Why patients choose us
- 01
A consultant gynaecologist, in theatre
An RCOG-certified gynaecologist with a laparoscopic subspecialty interest — not a rotational trainee — in a licensed private theatre.
- 02
Ovary and fertility preserved where safe
Careful capsule stripping and endobag retrieval to protect ovarian reserve. Oophorectomy is a last resort, discussed with you first.
- 03
Independent, and free
We are paid by no clinic, so the recommendation is impartial and costs you nothing.
Indicative pricing
What a private laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy costs in the UK.
Indicative ranges across our partner clinics. Send the details and we quote firm figures across two or three options.
In short
A day-case cystectomy in our network: £4,000–£8,000, home the same day.
| Procedure | Indicative range | Typical duration | Recovery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy (simple cyst) | £4,000–£6,000 | 30–60 min | Same day home |
| Laparoscopic cystectomy (endometrioma) | £5,500–£7,500 | 60–90 min | Same day home |
| Laparoscopic cystectomy (dermoid, endobag) | £5,500–£8,000 | 60–90 min | Same day home |
| Laparoscopy for suspected ovarian torsion | £5,000–£7,500 | 45–90 min | 1 night stay |
| Pre-op MRI pelvis (if needed) | £450–£750 | 30 min | 48–72 h |
| Consultation only | £250–£450 | 30 min | Same visit |
Prices vary by clinic, by which gynaecologist does the case, and by cyst complexity (a straightforward simple cyst sits at the lower end; a large endometrioma or dermoid with endobag retrieval and adhesiolysis at the higher end). NHS pathway is available via gynaecology referral. We come back with a firm quote within one working day.
The problem
The right surgeon, the right workup, the right plan.
Ovarian cyst surgery gets three things wrong quietly: the wrong operator, missed pre-op workup, and defaulting to oophorectomy where a cystectomy would have preserved the ovary. We fix all three before you consent.
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Not sure surgery is needed?
A small simple cyst is usually watched with repeat ultrasound and CA125 — surgery is only right for the cysts that need it.
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Worried about fertility?
Cystectomy is the fertility-preserving choice. A careful surgeon protects ovarian reserve — we make sure that is the plan.
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Worried about cancer?
RMI or IOTA scores, MRI when unclear, and frozen section on the day — a safe path through the small malignancy risk.
The journey
From enquiry to histology — what happens, in order.
One clinician from first message to review — including reading the histology with you.
Phase 1 · Before your procedure
Concierge, off-stage for you
Phase 2 · On the day
A few hours at the clinic
Phase 3 · After
Concierge, back on
- 01
Before
You tell us what is going on
A short, confidential form. Symptoms, imaging you already have, and your priorities on fertility.
- 02
Before
We come back with a recommendation
Within one working day: the right gynaecologist, whether MRI or tumour markers are needed first, an indicative price.
- 03
Before
We arrange the workup
Pelvic ultrasound, CA125 with the RMI score, and CEA / AFP / hCG / LDH if a germ-cell tumour is possible. MRI if characterisation is unclear.
- 04
On the day
Arrival at the clinic
Arrival, consent and a chat with the gynaecologist and anaesthetist. The plan — cystectomy first, oophorectomy only if unavoidable — is confirmed in writing.
- 05
On the day
The procedure itself
30 to 90 minutes under GA. Three to four small ports, the cyst is stripped from the ovary and retrieved in an endobag, the ovarian defect oversewn with absorbable suture.
- 06
On the day
Home the same day
Most patients go home the same day with written aftercare. You will need someone to collect you and stay overnight.
- 07
After
Recovery and review
Back to office work in one to two weeks; no heavy lifting for four to six weeks. Histology and a review are arranged.
Typical end-to-end: 2–3 weeks from enquiry to procedure. Full healing: 4–6 weeks.
When it helps
When laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy is the right step.
The situations we see most, plus the one red flag that means an emergency rather than an appointment.
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Persistent symptomatic simple cyst >5 cm
A benign-looking cyst that has not resolved on repeat ultrasound and is causing pain, pressure or bloating.
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Complex cyst, low-risk RMI / IOTA
A cyst with solid or septated features but a reassuring risk score — surgery to remove and confirm histology.
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Endometrioma
A chocolate cyst causing pain, dyspareunia or affecting fertility — stripping the cyst wall is preferred to drainage.
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Dermoid (mature teratoma)
A benign germ-cell cyst that does not shrink and carries a torsion risk — endobag retrieval is essential.
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Suspected ovarian torsion
Sudden severe pelvic pain with a cyst on scan — urgent laparoscopy to untwist and preserve the ovary.
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Failed conservative management
Cyst persisting or growing on serial imaging, or pain not settling despite analgesia and hormonal treatment.
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Fertility-preserving choice
For patients planning pregnancy — cystectomy is preferred over oophorectomy wherever the anatomy allows.
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Red flag: acute torsion pain
Sudden one-sided pelvic pain with nausea and a known cyst is an emergency — A&E the same day, not a clinic booking.
Procedure options
Cystectomy is not the only route — but it is usually the right one.
What each option on the table actually involves — and which fits which problem.
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Laparoscopic cystectomy (standard)
Three or four small ports, the cyst is stripped from ovarian tissue with careful haemostasis and retrieved in an endobag.
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Cystectomy for endometrioma
The cyst wall is stripped rather than drained — stripping lowers recurrence but must be balanced against ovarian reserve.
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Cystectomy for dermoid
Retrieval inside an endobag is critical — spillage risks chemical peritonitis and, rarely, dissemination if malignancy is present.
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Laparoscopy for torsion
The ovary is untwisted and the cyst removed. Even a dusky ovary is usually preserved — necrosis is less common than it looks.
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Oophorectomy (whole ovary removal)
A separate operation reserved for cases where cystectomy is not safe or oncologically appropriate — discussed and consented separately.
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Frozen section on suspicion
If an unexpected feature is seen, tissue can be sent for intra-operative histology and the operation converted to staging surgery if malignancy is confirmed.
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MRI characterisation first
When ultrasound is inconclusive, pelvic MRI clarifies whether a cyst is benign, borderline or suspicious — often before any surgery is booked.
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Consultation only
An honest discussion of watchful waiting versus surgery — no obligation, and often the right answer for a small simple cyst.
Our vetted UK network
A small panel of gynaecologists, we picked them.
Consultant gynaecologists across London and major UK cities. Not listed publicly — introductions are made privately, once we understand your case.
Selection criteria
How we choose every gynaecologist in our network.
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Consultant gynaecologists with RCOG accreditation and a laparoscopic subspecialty interest
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Endobag retrieval as standard — never open spillage of dermoid or suspicious cysts
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RMI and IOTA rules applied before surgery, MRI when characterisation is unclear
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Fertility-first philosophy — ovarian preservation is the default, not oophorectomy
Safety and recovery
What to expect afterwards — honestly.
Laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy is a common, safe day-case procedure. The things worth planning are recurrence risk, ovarian reserve, and the small but real chance of conversion to oophorectomy or staging surgery.
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Recurrence, especially with endometrioma
Endometriomas recur in about 20–30% of patients over five years. Post-op hormonal suppression reduces this and is discussed with you.
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Impact on ovarian reserve
Cyst stripping can reduce AMH, particularly with endometriomas. A careful surgeon and haemostatic technique — not diathermy — protects follicles.
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Iatrogenic ovarian loss
In 2–5% of cases the ovary cannot be preserved and conversion to oophorectomy is needed. This is discussed and consented in advance.
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Capsule rupture with a dermoid
Rupture inside the abdomen is why endobag retrieval matters — spillage can cause chemical peritonitis and, rarely, malignant seeding.
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Bowel, bladder and ureteric injury
Rare (well under 1%) with an experienced laparoscopic gynaecologist — higher when adhesions or endometriosis distort anatomy.
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Adhesions and future fertility
Pelvic surgery carries a small adhesion risk. Meticulous technique and irrigation reduce it, but it cannot be eliminated entirely.
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DVT and pulmonary embolism
Low but real for any pelvic surgery — TED stockings, calf compression and early mobilisation are standard.
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Malignancy risk — the honest bit
Most ovarian cysts are benign, but a small number harbour borderline or malignant cells. Frozen section and conversion to staging surgery is the safe path if unexpected features are found.
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Red flags
Fever, spreading abdominal pain, heavy vaginal bleeding or shortness of breath after surgery are not normal — call the clinic or A&E the same day.
Reading your operation note
Your operation note in four parts. Read the last one first.
Whichever technique was used, the note the gynaecologist sends you keeps to the same shape.
A quiet reminder
Surgical language is precise and can read coldly — we translate it for you.
If you would like us to talk you through the note and the histology before your review, just ask.
- 01 Header
Indication and cyst type
Why the procedure was done — simple cyst, endometrioma, dermoid, suspected torsion — and which ovary was involved.
- 02 Technique
Ports, technique and endobag retrieval
The number and site of ports, how the cyst was stripped, whether an endobag was used, and how the ovarian defect was closed.
- 03 Findings
Ovarian appearance, contralateral side, pelvis
Notes on the affected ovary, the other ovary, tubes, peritoneum, and any endometriosis or adhesions seen.
- 04 Impression
Histology plan, recurrence risk, follow-up
Read this first: what tissue was sent, when histology is expected, recurrence risk, and whether hormonal suppression is advised.
Recognised by major UK insurers
Cover for laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy is usually funded when medically indicated — most policies require a GP referral and a specialist consultation first. We confirm cover before booking.
Frequently asked
Everything we get asked about laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy.
Quick answers on fertility, recurrence, cost, cancer risk, and how much time off work you actually need.
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What is laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy?
It is keyhole surgery to remove an ovarian cyst while preserving the ovary itself. Under general anaesthetic, three or four small ports are placed, the cyst is stripped from healthy ovarian tissue, retrieved in an endobag, and the ovarian defect is closed with absorbable stitches.
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Is it different from having the ovary removed?
Yes. A cystectomy removes the cyst and preserves the ovary and its hormonal and fertility function. A laparoscopic oophorectomy removes the whole ovary and is only used when cystectomy is not safe or oncologically appropriate — it is a separate consent.
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When is surgery actually needed?
Common indications include a persistent symptomatic simple cyst larger than about 5 cm, a complex cyst with reassuring RMI or IOTA scores, an endometrioma causing pain or fertility issues, a dermoid, or suspected ovarian torsion. Small simple cysts are usually watched on repeat scans.
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How much does private ovarian cystectomy cost in the UK?
Roughly £4,000–£6,000 for a straightforward simple cyst, £5,500–£7,500 for an endometrioma, and £5,500–£8,000 for a dermoid where careful endobag retrieval is essential. Pre-op MRI, if needed, is £450–£750. We confirm a firm quote within one working day.
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Will it affect my fertility or ovarian reserve?
Cystectomy is designed to preserve fertility, but stripping the cyst wall — especially for endometriomas — can reduce AMH. A gentle technique that avoids diathermy near the ovarian cortex protects follicles. Your fertility priorities are discussed and documented before surgery.
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What if there is a chance of cancer?
Most ovarian cysts are benign. Before surgery we use ultrasound, CA125 and the RMI or IOTA rules — and MRI if unclear. If suspicious features are seen intra-operatively, frozen section is performed and, if malignancy is confirmed, the operation is converted to formal staging surgery.
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How long is recovery after keyhole cyst removal?
Most patients are home the same day and back to desk work within one to two weeks. No heavy lifting, gym or cycling for four to six weeks. Full internal healing takes about six weeks.
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Are endometriomas more likely to come back?
Yes. Endometriomas recur in around 20–30% of patients over five years. Post-operative hormonal suppression (combined pill, progestogen or GnRH analogues) significantly reduces recurrence and is discussed at your review.
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When should I go to A&E instead of booking a clinic?
Sudden, severe one-sided pelvic pain with nausea in someone with a known ovarian cyst may be ovarian torsion — an emergency. Go to A&E the same day. Heavy vaginal bleeding, fever, or worsening abdominal pain after surgery also need urgent care.
Related treatments
Looking for something else?
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Laparoscopic removal of ovaries
Oophorectomy when preservation is not safe or appropriate.
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Laparoscopy (keyhole surgery)
Diagnostic and therapeutic keyhole gynaecology.
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Hysteroscopy
Camera examination of the womb — often day-case.
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All tests & procedures
Every test and procedure we arrange.
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