What is an omental cyst?
An omental cyst is a rare benign cystic lesion that forms in the tissues of the greater or lesser omentum.
Most cysts cause no symptoms for a long time, but as they grow they may cause:
- abdominal pain or discomfort
- a feeling of pressure
- abdominal enlargement
- compression of neighboring organs
- infection
- bleeding into the cyst
- torsion or rupture of the cyst
The main treatment is complete surgical removal.
Our approach
At MSI, omental cysts are treated in line with modern principles of minimally invasive abdominal surgery.
Before surgery, a comprehensive examination is carried out, which may include:
- ultrasound
- computed tomography
- magnetic resonance imaging, when indicated
- laboratory tests
When technically feasible, we aim to remove omental cysts laparoscopically.
For large lesions, a difficult location, or suspected malignancy, open surgery may be recommended.
The key principle is complete removal of the cyst without damaging it, which minimizes the risk of recurrence.
Postoperative treatment follows the principles of *ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery)*.
When is surgery needed?
Surgery is performed for:
- symptomatic omental cysts
- growth of the lesion
- pain
- compression of neighboring organs
- infection
- bleeding
- torsion of the cyst
- a suspected tumor
Indications for surgery
Surgery is recommended for:
- clinical symptoms
- a large cyst
- progressive growth
- a lesion of uncertain nature
- a risk of complications
How is the operation performed?
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia.
After the abdominal cavity is explored, the cyst is mobilized and removed completely, together with the adjacent part of the omentum if necessary.
Special attention is paid to preserving neighboring organs and avoiding damage to the cyst capsule.
If malignancy is suspected, the operation follows the principles of oncological surgery.
All removed lesions are sent for histopathological examination.
Advantages of laparoscopic surgery
- Minimal surgical trauma
- Less postoperative pain
- Fast recovery
- Lower risk of wound complications
- Shorter hospital stay
- Better cosmetic result
Recovery after surgery
Postoperative treatment follows *ERAS* principles.
Patients quickly return to physical activity and their normal diet. The length of the hospital stay depends on the complexity of the operation and the patient's general condition.
Our advantages
- Extensive experience in laparoscopic abdominal surgery
- A commitment to laparoscopic surgery
- Radical removal of cysts with minimal tissue trauma
- An individual approach to choosing the treatment method
- Routine histopathological examination of all removed lesions
- Enhanced recovery program (ERAS)
Frequently Asked Questions
Not always. Small asymptomatic cysts can be monitored. Surgery is recommended if the lesion grows, symptoms appear, or a tumor is suspected.
Yes. In most cases, we aim to remove omental cysts laparoscopically.
Most omental cysts are benign, but the final diagnosis is only possible after histopathological examination.
Yes, sometimes the adjacent part of the omentum has to be resected to remove the cyst completely and safely.
After complete removal of the cyst, the risk of recurrence is minimal.