Ovarian & Fallopian Tube Surgery in Ireland — Costs, Waiting Times & EU Options
Ovarian and fallopian tube surgery removes ovarian cysts, one or both ovaries, or the fallopian tubes. It's usually done by keyhole surgery and often allows the ovary to be preserved where possible.
What is a Ovarian & Fallopian Tube Surgery?
An ovarian cystectomy removes a cyst while keeping the healthy ovary. An oophorectomy removes the whole ovary, and a salpingectomy removes a fallopian tube. These operations are usually done laparoscopically through small cuts.
Most ovarian cysts are harmless and many disappear on their own, but larger, persistent or painful cysts, and cysts with concerning features on a scan, may need removal.
Who needs this surgery?
Surgery may be recommended for:
- Ovarian cysts that are large, painful or not going away
- Cysts with features on a scan that need checking
- Endometriomas (endometriosis cysts)
- Ovarian torsion (twisting), which is an emergency
- Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes before IVF, or ectopic pregnancy
How the procedure works
Scans and tests
An ultrasound and sometimes blood tests such as CA-125 assess the cyst.
General anaesthetic
You'll be asleep for the operation.
Keyhole surgery
Small cuts allow the surgeon to remove the cyst, ovary or tube.
Laboratory testing
Removed tissue is sent for analysis.
Home
Most people go home the same day or the next day.
Where can you have a Ovarian & Fallopian Tube Surgery?
Compare the public system, private hospitals in Ireland, and HSE-reimbursed treatment in the EU.
Public (HSE)
Free at the point of care with a GP or consultant referral. Waiting times vary widely by hospital, region and clinical urgency; your hospital or the NTPF (ntpf.ie) can tell you where you are on the list.
Private in Ireland
Ask the hospital for a fixed-price quote covering the hospital fee, consultant and anaesthetist fees. Check your health insurance plan for cover, excesses and any approved-hospital list before booking.
EU Cross-Border
Can usually be arranged under the EU Cross-Border Healthcare Directive with a referral from your GP or consultant. As this is normally a day case, prior authorisation is not usually needed, but confirm with the HSE National Contact Point before you book. You pay upfront and claim back up to the Irish public cost.
Check if you're eligibleHave your surgery in weeks, not years
Under the EU Cross-Border Healthcare Directive, you can be treated in an accredited EU/EEA hospital and claim the cost back from the HSE — with a GP or consultant referral.
Check whether you qualify and what you'd get back.
*Reimbursement is capped at the cost of the same treatment in the Irish public health system. Travel, accommodation and any balance above the HSE rate are not covered. Pre-authorisation applies to treatment involving an overnight hospital stay.
Recovering from a Ovarian & Fallopian Tube Surgery
Discomfort, bloating and shoulder-tip pain are common.
Most people return to desk work within one to two weeks.
Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise until you feel recovered.
Results from the removed tissue are usually discussed at a follow-up appointment.
Risks and considerations
Possible risks include:
- Infection or bleeding
- Injury to nearby organs, which is uncommon
- Cysts returning
- Reduced ovarian reserve after cyst removal
- Early menopause if both ovaries are removed
Ovarian & Fallopian Tube Surgery — your questions answered
Do all ovarian cysts need surgery?
No. Many simple cysts go away on their own and only need monitoring with ultrasound.
Can I still get pregnant after ovarian surgery?
Usually yes, especially if at least one healthy ovary and tube remain. Discuss fertility with your surgeon beforehand.
What is ovarian torsion?
It's when an ovary twists on itself, cutting off its blood supply. It causes sudden severe pain and needs emergency surgery.
Can I have ovarian cyst surgery abroad?
Yes, provided it is a treatment the HSE would provide in Ireland, you have a referral, and it is carried out in a public or private healthcare provider in another EU/EEA country. You pay upfront and claim back up to the Irish public cost. Travel and accommodation are not covered. Cysts with worrying features are best assessed through Irish rapid-access pathways.
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