Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs in the ovary. They are common and usually form during ovulation. Ovulation happens when the ovary releases an egg each month. Many women with ovarian cysts don’t have symptoms. The cysts are usually harmless. Ovarian cyst removal is surgery to remove one or more cysts from one or both ovaries. Open surgery uses a large abdominal incision to view the cyst and surrounding tissue. It may be done instead of a laparoscopic surgery if the cyst is large, there are many cysts, or complications happen during a laparoscopic surgery.