Can an ovarian cyst be operated during pregnancy?

Q: I am 15 weeks pregnant, diagnosed with a right ovarian cyst measuring 6.5 cm. My doctor has suggested surgery in the 16th week to remove the cyst. Is it safe to undergo surgery? Will the anaesthesia harm the fetus? Will I be able to give birth normally?

A:Ovarian cyst in pregnancy can be operated laparoscopically or by laparotomy- open operation. The precautions to take regarding premature pain and fetal loss are by taking injectable progesterone before the planned surgery and some tocolytic drugs to prevent uterus from contracting like duvadilon tablets/injections or terbutalin. Anaesthesia risks to the fetus at 15 weeks are now minimal as the baby is almost fully formed.