In the course of life, a woman has to deal with diseases of the reproductive organs. One of them is the formation of a cyst on the ovary. The development of this pathology in most cases affects women of childbearing age. The cyst is benign in nature and, in general, is treated very successfully. But in the absence of therapy or under the influence of third-party factors, such a complication as cyst torsion may develop. How this pathology manifests itself and what consequences it can lead to, we will analyze in this article.
Definition
An ovarian cyst is a benign formation, which is a sac with liquid contents inside. The leg of the cyst has vessels that feed it, lymphatic vessels and nerves. Education tends to increase due to the accumulation of secretions. In this case, growth of the ovary itself is also observed. In its own wayIn nature, the cyst is quite mobile, which can cause its torsion. This leads to impaired blood supply, which is fraught with the development of the inflammatory process. It can also spread into the abdominal cavity, causing peritonitis. The cyst may also rupture, leading to bleeding. With this pathology, timely diagnosis is very important, since the consequences of torsion pose a danger to the life of a woman.
Types of torsion
In medicine, torsion of the cyst stem is characterized as incomplete and complete. Consider the state data in more detail:
- Incomplete (less than 360°). In this case, only small vessels and veins are squeezed. The arteries continue to function, so the blood supply to the cyst does not stop completely. This condition is dangerous because the signs are weakly expressed - this leads to late diagnosis of the pathology. The periods of occurrence of painful sensations alternate with their subsidence. On palpation, a dense, tight neoplasm is palpated. When trying to displace it, the woman feels a strong sharp pain.
- Full (more than 360°). With this type of torsion, arteries are also involved in the squeezing process, which completely stops the blood supply to the cyst. Without timely assistance, life-threatening conditions can develop. With complete torsion of the legs of the ovarian cyst, the symptoms are quite pronounced. This allows you to almost accurately diagnose the pathology.
Causes of pathology
The causes of ovarian cyst torsion are quite numerous. Consider the most common of them:
- Sudden movements that tense the press.
- Weight lifting.
- Full bladder. Untimely emptying can lead to the development of many pathological conditions. Cyst torsion is one of them.
- Weakened abdominal muscles.
- Pregnancy and childbirth.
- Constipation.
- Individual features of the structure of the cyst. For example, a long leg.
- Disorders of the gastrointestinal tract.
- Intimacy.
- Increased blood pressure in the neoplasm.
- Dramatic weight loss. Due to the removal of excess fat, the organs are slightly displaced, which can provoke torsion.
Symptomatics
Symptoms of ovarian cyst torsion in women depend on its type and rate of development. Signs of complete and partial torsion are very similar, the difference is only the degree of their severity. The following manifestations of pathology are noted:
- Painful sensations from the affected ovary, which radiate to the perineum and lower back.
- Disorders of the gastrointestinal tract.
- Increased gas production.
- Increase in body temperature, indicating the development of the inflammatory process.
- Weakness and dizziness.
- Increased sweating.
- Pale skin.
- Frequent urge to urinate, especially when torsion has formed near the bladder.
- Dry mouth.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Uncontrollable abdominal tension. Atpalpation woman feels pain.
- Increased breathing and heart rate.
- Feeling some relief of symptoms comes after the woman assumes the "fetal position".
It is important to know that during the development of necrosis with complete torsion of the ovarian cyst, the symptoms may recede. This is a dangerous condition, because without immediate medical attention, peritonitis can occur, which can be fatal.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of ovarian cyst torsion includes a set of examinations that will assess the degree of the pathological condition and exclude other equally dangerous conditions with similar symptoms (for example, ectopic pregnancy, intestinal obstruction, appendicitis). The following examinations will be required to confirm the diagnosis:
- Medical examination, which includes palpation of the abdomen to determine the pain and tension of the abdominal muscles. A gynecological examination is also performed. An important diagnostic value is the questioning of the patient. The following information can help in making a diagnosis - the time of onset of symptoms, their duration and intensity.
- Complete blood count to determine the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and white blood cell count.
- Complete urinalysis.
- Histological examination.
- Ultrasound. It is the most effective diagnostic method, which assesses the size of the cyst, the degree of torsion, the structure of the neoplasm and its impact on neighboring organs. It is recommended to carry out this procedure as soon as possible when symptoms of ovarian cyst torsion appear. The ultrasound photo is presented below.
- Laparoscopy. This procedure is carried out using a special device - a laparoscope. The method is used not only for diagnosis, but also for treatment. At the same time, three incisions are made in the abdominal cavity through which the device is inserted. Also, the laparoscope is equipped with a camera that displays an image on a nearby monitor.
First Aid
When symptoms of ovarian cyst torsion appear, an ambulance should be called as soon as possible. A woman needs to lie on her side in the "fetal position" to reduce pain. Breathing should be fast, but not deep. The use of medications is not recommended, because they can blur the clinical picture and provoke rupture of the cyst. Cold should be applied to the lower abdomen if bleeding occurs.
Treatment
Ovarian cyst torsion is not treated conservatively. The disease requires urgent surgical intervention. The earlier the operation is performed, the less likely the development of complications.
Currently, the surgical method of treating pathology is performed in the following ways:
- Laparotomy. This type of surgery is used in the most severe cases (for example, when more than 6 hours have passed since the moment of torsion). The procedure is performed under general anesthesia. Duringsurgery, the surgeon makes an incision in the abdominal cavity, after which he removes the cyst along with the appendage. When a cyst ruptures, cauterization of blood vessels is performed.
- Laparoscopy. It is prescribed if no more than two hours have passed after torsion and peritonitis has not been diagnosed. This surgical method is very effective and does not have a long recovery period. After removal of the cyst, the ovary is preserved and after a while begins to function normally. The rehabilitation period for surgical intervention performed by this method is 3-4 days. Currently, there is a more gentle method of treatment using a laparoscope, which is used if the cyst is benign and the functionality of the ovary is not impaired. During the operation, the twisted organ is untwisted and blood flow is restored. After that, the cyst is removed. If blood flow is not restored, the ovary is completely removed.
After the operation, to exclude the development of the inflammatory process, antibacterial agents are prescribed and therapy is carried out aimed at the provoking disease.
Possible Complications
An ovarian cyst is a very dangerous formation, because its torsion can lead to life-threatening complications. Consider the most serious consequences:
- Cyst rupture followed by peritonitis.
- Formation of adhesions from connective tissue. This is a protective reaction of the body, which is not aimed at preventing further twisting. ATas a result of stagnation of venous blood, fibrin is produced on the cyst, which forms adhesions with neighboring organs. But they can interfere with their normal functioning and do not guarantee complete protection against further torsion.
- Bleeding.
- Violation of the integrity of the ovary.
- The transition of the inflammatory process to the uterus, which may be an indication for its removal.
- Infertility.
Prevention
The main preventive measure for cyst torsion is its timely treatment. If, after diagnosing, the neoplasm does not disappear within two to three months, it is necessary to use hormonal drugs for its resorption. In some cases, the doctor decides on the surgical method of removing it.
Also, the prevention of torsion of the neoplasm is the following recommendations:
- Restrain from excessive physical exertion and sudden body movements.
- Monitor your diet and the work of the gastrointestinal tract, avoiding constipation.
- Carefully monitor your he alth and regularly visit a doctor.
- Timely undergo the necessary examination, including ultrasound. It will help to identify the development of pathological conditions in the early stages.
- If there are signs of ovarian cyst torsion, call an ambulance as soon as possible.
Forecast
With early diagnosis of pathology and timely treatment, the prognosis in most cases is positive. Sometimes it is possible to save the ovary and fully restore its functionality. But due to the fact that in the early stages of the development of pathology, the symptoms can be blurred, torsion is diagnosed already at a more advanced stage and the chances of saving the organ are significantly reduced.
Conclusion
Ovarian cyst torsion is a dangerous pathology that requires urgent surgical intervention. It has a rapid development, and in case of delay, it can threaten the life of a woman. You must carefully monitor your he alth and do not neglect planned visits to the doctor.
