Treatment for a twisted ovary

Ovarian torsion can reduce blood supply, so hospital teams usually treat it as an emergency rather than observing it at home. During surgery, the ovary may be untwisted and examined for recovery. If a cyst caused the enlargement, a laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy may remove the cyst while preserving ovarian tissue when safe. If the ovary is severely damaged, cannot be safely preserved, or another concerning finding is present, removal may be discussed. The approach depends on examination findings, imaging, the cyst, pregnancy considerations, and overall safety.

Go to an emergency department for sudden pelvic pain with nausea, vomiting, or a known ovarian cyst. Avoid eating or drinking until a clinician advises you, because urgent surgery may be needed; follow local emergency guidance if you are being transported. Bring a list of medicines, allergies, prior operations, and the first day of your last period. Do not rely on pain settling, since torsion can cause intermittent symptoms. After treatment, follow instructions about wound care, activity, medicines, and follow-up.

Seek emergency care immediately for severe or sudden pelvic pain, repeated vomiting, fainting, fever, a swollen or very tender abdomen, or pain during a possible pregnancy. After surgery, contact the hospital urgently for worsening pain, fever, heavy bleeding, breathing difficulty, chest pain, persistent vomiting, or a wound that becomes increasingly red or drains fluid. These symptoms need assessment rather than watchful waiting.

Is the aim to untwist and preserve the ovary? Is a cyst present, and could it be removed during the same procedure? What findings would require removal of the ovary? What recovery symptoms and follow-up should I expect?