Should adnexal mass size influence surgical approach? A series of 186 laparoscopically managed large adnexal masses

Analysis of Risk Factors for Negative Emotions in the Perioperative Period in Patients with Benign Ovarian Cysts Treated Laparoscopically and Their Impact on Prognosis: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background

Ovarian cysts are common diseases among women. They might affect reproductive function in severe cases, and thus, patients with ovarian cysts often have negative emotions.

Purpose

In this study, we elucidated the risk factors for negative emotions in patients with ovarian cysts during the perioperative period and their impact on prognosis.

Methods

From August 2019 to August 2021, we retrospectively included 330 female patients with pathologically diagnosed benign ovarian cysts as potential participants in this study. Based on the established inclusion and exclusion criteria, 308 patients were finally included. We performed the t-test and Chi-squared test to analyze the relationship between the negative emotions of the patients and prognosis. Binary logistic regression and linear regression were used to assess independent risk factors for negative patient mood and prognosis.Based on SAS and SDS scores, patients with anxiety and/or depression are considered to combined negative emotions.

Results

In total, 47 patients (15.3%) had negative emotions during the perioperative period. The results of the binary logistic regression analysis showed that the menstrual status (OR = 3.099, P = 0.028), intraoperative blood loss (OR = 1.043, P = 0.029), recurrence (OR = 3.691, P = 0.047), and several other factors were independent risk factors for negative emotions. The results of the linear regression analysis showed that the presence of combined negative affect (P = 0.000), recurrence (P = 0.010), postoperative IL-2 (P = 0.035), and several other factors were independent risk factors for patient prognosis.

Conclusion

In clinical work, identifying the independent risk factors for negative emotions and enhancing their behavioral awareness and self-efficacy is necessary to improve their quality of life after surgery. Meanwhile, we will continue our exploration of the causes of negative emotions in patients in the future.

Laparoscopic surgery of large adnexal masses (>12 cm): Single port or conventional?

INTRODUCTION

We aimed to compare single-port laparoscopic surgery (SPLS) and conventional multiport laparoscopic surgery (CMLS) for large adnexal mass (AM).

METHODS

Patients undergoing laparoscopy (LS) due to huge AMs (≥12 cm) between 2016 and 2021 were evaluated retrospectively. The SPLS procedure was applied in 25 cases, and CMLS was performed in 32 cases. The premier result was the grade of the postoperative improvement according to the Quality of Recovery (QoR)-40 questionnaire score (24 h after the surgical procedure; postoperative day 1). Observer Scar Assessment Scale (OSAS) and Patient Observer Scar Assessment Scale (PSAS) were also evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 57 cases undergoing SPLS (n = 25) or CMLS (n = 32) due to a large AM (≥12 cm) were analyzed. No meaningful distinctions in age, menopausal status, body mass index, or mass size were observed between the two cohorts. The operation time was shorter in the SPLS than CPLS cohort (42.2 ± 3.3 vs. 47.6 ± 6.2; p < 0.001). Unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy was performed in 84.0% of cases in the SPLS cohort and 90.6% of patients in the CMLS cohort (p = 0.360). The QoR-40 points were significantly higher in the SPLS than the CMLS group (154.9 ± 12.0 vs. 146.2 ± 17.1; p = 0.035). The OSAS and PSAS scores were lower in the SPLS than the CMLS group.

CONCLUSION

LS can be used for large cysts that are not considered to be at risk of malignancy. The postoperative recovery time was shorter in patients undergoing SPLS compared to CMLS.

Feasibility and Safety of Laparoscopic Surgery in Large Ovarian Masses

Objectives

To evaluate the feasibility and safety of laparoscopic surgery for large ovarian masses with benign features.

Materials and Methods

Women who underwent laparoscopic surgery for an ovarian mass with benign features between 2017 and 2019 at a tertiary referral center were included in the retrospective study. Based on the size of the ovarian mass, the women were divided into the case and control groups of ≥10 cm and <10 cm, respectively. Clinical characteristics, operative findings, histopathological results, and complication rates of the groups were compared.

Results

A total of 260 women, 64 women with large masses and 196 with small masses were included in the study. The operation time, intraoperative cyst rupture rate, complication rate, and hospital stay were similar in the case and control groups (P > 0.05). The cyst aspiration rate (29.7% vs. 5.1%, P < 0.001) and the unexpected malignancy rate (7.8% vs. 0.0% P = 0.001) were significantly higher in the case group than in the control group.

Conclusion

Laparoscopic surgery was found feasible for the treatment of women with large ovarian masses. However, a higher unexpected malignancy rate requires the careful patient selection and appropriate counseling preoperatively in these cases.

Torsion of a large ovarian cyst presented as an acute abdomen: Case report

Patients with acute abdominal pain often end up in the emergency department for surgical treatment. Ovarian cysts can lead to an acute abdomen due to torsion (twisting) or rupture. In this case report we are going to present a 70 y/o female patient with left adnexal torsion, due to a presence of ovarian cyst, presented as an acute abdomen. The patient was enrolled in the emergency department with acute abdomen, nausea and vomiting. After the initial evaluation including a Computerized tomography [CT] scan, the cyst presented as a solid hypodense mass behind the front abdominal wall, with the dimensions of Anteroposterior diameter [APd] 13cm, Laterolateral diameter [LLd] 11cm and Craniocaudal diameter [CCd] 15cm. The possible differential diagnosis [DDx] included cystic tumor [TU] mass on the mesentery as well as a cystic TU on the Urogenital tract (UGT). Intraoperatively adnexal torsion due to an ovarian cyst was found. The cyst and the left adnexa were then removed. Histopathological report showed ovarian hemorrhagic infarction due to a cystic tumor and torsion in the left adnexa. The diagnosis in such cases is often challenging because often the initial CT report can confuse the surgeon whether the mass arises from the mesentery or the urogenital tract.  

Laparoscopic guided minilaparotomy: a modified technique for management of benign large ovarian cysts

BACKGROUND

The aim of the study is to evaluate the efficiency and safety of a novel technique to treat large benign ovarian cysts combining benefits of laparoscopic management along with mini-laparotomy without affection of the ovarian reserve.

METHODS

The study included 112 women with large benign ovarian cyst candidate for ovarian cystectomy. The technique started with laparoscopy followed by guided cyst aspiration followed by exteriorization of the ovary through minilaprotomy and completion of cystectomy through microsurgical technique. The primary outcome was ipsilateral recurrence of the cyst. Other outcomes included ovarian reserve assessment and postoperative pain.

RESULTS

The number of women with recurrence in the ipsilateral ovary after 12, 18 and 24 months were 5 (4.5%),16 (14.3%),20 (17.85%) respectively. Assessment of ovarian reserve revealed a significant decrease in the level of serum AMH (2.82 ± 0.44 vs. 2.50 ± 0.42) and a significant increase in AFC (3.5 ± 1.7 vs. 4.9 ± 1.3) after our novel technique in surgical treatment of ovarian cysts (P value < 0.001). The operative time was 50 ± 7 and 62 ± 7 min in unilateral and bilateral cysts respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic guided minilaparotomy is a safe and effective technique for the management of large benign ovarian cysts with minimal recurrence rate, ovarian reserve affection and adhesions.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

clinical trial registry no. NCT03370952. Registered 13 December 2017, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03370952.

Ovarian Cancer, Version 2.2020, NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology

Epithelial ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death from gynecologic cancer in the United States and is the country's fifth most common cause of cancer mortality in women. A major challenge in treating ovarian cancer is that most patients have advanced disease at initial diagnosis. These NCCN Guidelines discuss cancers originating in the ovary, fallopian tube, or peritoneum, as these are all managed in a similar manner. Most of the recommendations are based on data from patients with the most common subtypes─high-grade serous and grade 2/3 endometrioid. The NCCN Guidelines also include recommendations specifically for patients with less common ovarian cancers, which in the guidelines include the following: carcinosarcoma, clear cell carcinoma, mucinous carcinoma, low-grade serous, grade 1 endometrioid, borderline epithelial, malignant sex cord-stromal, and malignant germ cell tumors. This manuscript focuses on certain aspects of primary treatment, including primary surgery, adjuvant therapy, and maintenance therapy options (including PARP inhibitors) after completion of first-line chemotherapy.

Laparoscopic management of a giant mucinous benign ovarian mass weighing 10150 grams: A case report

BACKGROUND

Giant ovarian cysts (≥ 15 cm in diameter) are rare. The size limit of cysts and the methodology for a safe and successful minimally invasive surgery has not been established. Here we report a case of a large 10-kg multi-locular ovarian mass, which was successfully laparoscopically removed: Our aim was to innovate the surgical practice in this field by providing a safe, effective, and minimally invasive management method for such complex and rare cases.

CASE SUMMARY

A 49-year-old nulliparous woman presented with abdominal distension, lasting from six Mo prior to admission; she reported worsening abdominal pain, abdominal swelling, and mild dyspnea. Imaging showed a presumed benign multi-locular (> 10 locules) left ovarian cyst that measured about 30 cm in diameter. Based on the IOTA-ADNEX model the mass had a 27.5% risk of being a borderline or malignant tumor. The patient was successfully treated via a direct laparoscopic approach with salpingo-oophorectomy, followed by the external drainage of the cyst. Tumor spillage was successfully avoided during this procedure. The final volume of the drained mucinous content was 8950 L; the cyst wall, extracted through the minilaparotomy, weighed about 1200 g. The pathologic gross examination revealed a 24 cm × 15 cm × 10 cm mass; the histologic examination diagnosed a mucinous cystoadenoma. To our knowledge, this is the first case of a giant multi-locular ovarian cyst treated with a direct laparoscopy with salpingo-oophorectomy followed by external decompression.

CONCLUSION

Choosing the appropriate technique and surgeon skill are necessary for a safe and effective minimally-invasive approach of unique cases involving giant ovarian cysts.

Laparotomy vs. minimally invasive surgery for ovarian cancer recurrence: a systematic review

The objective of the present review is to thoroughly investigate the role of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) in the setting of secondary cytoreduction for ovarian cancer recurrence, comparing this approach to traditional open surgery. PubMed, ClinicalTrials.gov, Scopus and Web of Science databases (between 1st January 1989 and 1st January 2020), have been systematically queried to identify all articles reporting either laparoscopic or robotic-assisted secondary surgical cytoreduction for recurrent ovarian cancer. We also manually searched the reference lists of the identified studies. Only English language papers were considered. Two independent reviewers screened and identified the reports. A sub-analysis was performed including studies comparing MIS vs. open abdominal secondary cytoreduction. A total of 617 articles were considered. Among them, we included 12 retrospective studies on minimally invasive secondary cytoreduction, enrolling 372 patients (260 of whom were submitted to whether robotics or laparosopy). Three studies compared 69 patients who underwent MIS vs. 112 cases of open abdominal secondary cytoreduction. Other 9 articles described a total of 191 patients who had minimally invasive secondary cytoreduction for recurrent ovarian cancer without a comparative arm. The quality of the evidence was low. The decision regarding the use of MIS was left to surgeon's discretion; in general, the candidates to MIS were selected patients with single-site disease or few localizations of relapse. Compared to open surgery, MIS was associated with significantly lower blood loss, shorter hospital stay and less postoperative complications; the rate of complete cytoreduction to residual tumor =0 was 95.5% in MIS cases vs. 87.5% in laparotomy cases. The risk of complications was generally low. Disease-free and overall survival were comparable between groups. There is no consensus on the criteria to select patients for laparoscopic or robotic secondary cytoreduction. Intra-operative ultrasound has been proposed as a possible tool to better identify the site of recurrence and for confirmation of complete resection of disease. In conclusion, MIS is an option in selected patients with recurrent ovarian cancer, provided there is no widespread disease. Selection of patients appears of utmost importance to obtain satisfactory survival outcomes.

The Usefulness of Ultrasound Imaging in Gynecologic Oncology

Pelvic ultrasound examination is the primary imaging modality for evaluating a wide range of female pelvic symptomatology, and is often the first imaging test to detect a gynecologic malignancy. Ultrasound imaging is particularly useful for evaluating the thickness and appearance of the endometrium in patients with abnormal bleeding, and in detecting and characterizing ovarian lesions. This article reviews the ultrasound appearance of gynecologic neoplasms grouped by anatomic site of origin, the ultrasound appearance of select benign pelvic pathology not to be misinterpreted as malignancy, as well as available ultrasound imaging-based guidelines for managing potential gynecologic neoplasms.

Laparoscopic Versus Open Hysterectomy for Benign Disease in Uteri Weighing >1 kg: A Retrospective Analysis on 258 Patients

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To present a large single-center series of hysterectomies for uteri ≥1 kg and to compare the laparoscopic and open abdominal approach in terms of perioperative outcomes and complications.

DESIGN

A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data (Canadian Task Force classification II-2).

SETTING

An academic research center.

PATIENTS

Consecutive women who underwent hysterectomy for uteri ≥1 kg between January 2000 and December 2016. Patients with a preoperative diagnosis of uterine malignancy or suspected uterine malignancy were excluded. The subjects were divided according to the intended initial surgical approach (i.e., open or laparoscopic). The 2 groups were compared in terms of intraoperative data and postoperative outcomes. Multivariable analysis was performed to identify possible independent predictors of overall complications. A subanalysis including only obese women was accomplished.

INTERVENTIONS

Total laparoscopic versus abdominal hysterectomy (±bilateral adnexectomy).

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Intra- and postoperative surgical outcomes. A total of 258 patients were included; 55 (21.3%) women were initially approached by open surgery and 203 (78.7%) by laparoscopy. Nine (4.4%) conversions from laparoscopic to open surgery were registered. The median operative time was longer in the laparoscopic group (120 [range, 50-360] vs 85 [range, 35-240] minutes, p = .014). The estimated blood loss (150 [range, 0-1700] vs 200 [50-3000] mL, p = .04), postoperative hemoglobin drop, and hospital stay (1 [range, 1-8] vs 3 [range, 1-8] days, p < .001) were lower among patients operated by laparoscopy. No difference was found between groups in terms of intra- and postoperative complications. However, the overall rate of complications (10.8% vs. 27.2%, p = .015) and the incidence of significant complications (defined as intraoperative adverse events or postoperative Clavien-Dindo ≥2 events, 4.4% vs 10.9%, p = .04) were significantly higher among patients who initially received open surgery. The laparoscopic approach was found to be the only independent predictor of a lower incidence of overall complications (odds ratio = 0.42; 95% confidence interval, 0.19-0.9). The overall morbidity of minimally invasive hysterectomy was lower also in the subanalysis concerning only obese patients.

CONCLUSION

In experienced hands and in dedicated centers, laparoscopic hysterectomy for uteri weighing ≥1 kg is feasible and safe. Minimally invasive surgery retains its well-known advantages over open surgery even in patients with extremely enlarged uteri.

Single port access laparoscopic surgery for large adnexal tumors: Initial 51 cases of a single institute

OBJECTIVE

Investigation of initial 51 cases of single port access (SPA) laparoscopic surgery for large adnexal tumors and evaluation of safety and feasibility of the surgical technique.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of the first 51 patients who received SPA laparoscopic surgery for large adnexal tumors greater than 10 cm, from July 2010 to February 2015.

RESULTS

SPA adnexal surgeries were successfully completed in 51 patients (100%). The mean age, body mass index of the patients were 43.1 years and 22.83 kg/m², respectively. The median operative time, median blood loss were 73.5 (range, 20 to 185) minutes, 54 (range, 5 to 500) mL, and the median tumor diameter was 13.6 (range, 10 to 30) cm. The procedures included bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (n=18, 36.0%), unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (n=14, 27.45%), and paratubal cystectomy (n=1, 1.96%). There were no cases of malignancy and none were insertion of additional ports or conversion to laparotomy. The cases with intraoperative spillage were 3 (5.88%) and benign cystic tumors. No other intraoperative and postoperative complications were observed during hospital days and 6-weeks follow-up period after discharge.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that SPA laparoscopic surgery for large adnexal tumors may be a safe and feasible alternative to conventional laparoscopic surgery.

Transumbilical retrieval of surgical specimens through a multichannel port

Background:

Laparoscopic surgery is often used to excise adnexal masses; however, the retrieval of specimens such as large cystic masses through conventional 5- or 10-mm ports is difficult and time-consuming. We compared outcomes between conventional laparoscopic surgery for adnexal masses and transumbilical specimen retrieval through a multichannel port during single- or 2-port laparoscopy.

Methods:

A total of 341 patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery for adnexal masses from November 2006 to December 2010 were included. The patients were divided into 2 groups: group I consisted of 249 patients who underwent conventional laparoscopy, and group II consisted of 92 patients who underwent single- or 2-port laparoscopy using a multichannel port. The clinical characteristics and operative outcomes of the 2 groups were compared.

Results:

The mean operation time was 51.8 ± 21.5 minutes in group I and 57.2 ± 23.9 minutes in group II. The mean specimen retrieval time was longer in group I (2.9 ± 4.0 minutes) than in group II (2.2 ± 1.8 minutes). Endoscopic bag rupture during specimen retrieval occurred in 11 patients in group I and in no patients in group II.

Conclusions:

The transumbilical retrieval of surgical specimens through a multichannel port with a wound retractor was safe and did not result in leakage of the cystic contents. This technique reduced the specimen retrieval time, especially for large masses. However, the mean operation time was not shortened with this procedure, because of the learning period and the time required to prepare the umbilical multichannel port.

Criteria for selection of laparoscopy for women with adnexal mass

Objectives:

We compared the indication of laparoscopy for treatment of adnexal masses based on the risk scores and tumor diameters with the indication based on gynecology-oncologists' experience.

Methods:

This was a prospective study of 174 women who underwent surgery for adnexal tumors (116 laparotomies, 58 laparoscopies). The surgeries begun and completed by laparoscopy, with benign pathologic diagnosis, were considered successful. Laparoscopic surgeries that required conversion to laparotomy, led to a malignant diagnosis, or facilitated cyst rupture were considered failures. Two groups were defined for laparoscopy indication: (1) absence of American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) guideline for referral of high-risk adnexal masses criteria (ACOG negative) associated with 3 different tumor sizes (10, 12, and 14 cm); and (2) Index of Risk of Malignancy (IRM) with cutoffs at 100, 200, and 300, associated with the same 3 tumor sizes. Both groups were compared with the indication based on the surgeon's experience to verify whether the selection based on strict rules would improve the rate of successful laparoscopy.

Results:

ACOG-negative and tumors ≤10 cm and IRM with a cutoff at 300 points and tumors ≤10cm resulted in the same best performance (78% success = 38/49 laparoscopies). However, compared with the results of the gynecology-oncologists' experience, those were not statistically significant.

Discussion:

The selection of patients with adnexal mass to laparoscopy by the use of the ACOG guideline or IRM associated with tumor diameter had similar performance as the experience of gynecology-oncologists. Both methods are reproducible and easy to apply to all women with adnexal masses and could be used by general gynecologists to select women for laparoscopic surgery; however, referral to a gynecology-oncologist is advisable when there is any doubt.

Role of minimally invasive surgery in complex adnexal tumours and ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer-related death in women. Adnexal masses are frequently diagnosed during reproductive age and often require surgical removal. The risk of malignancy when dealing with a complex adnexal mass should be defined prior to surgery and several scoring systems may be useful for this purpose. Laparoscopic management of ovarian tumours allows a minimally invasive approach with respect to several oncological assumptions. In the last decade concerns have been raised regarding the risk of cyst rupture and tumour spillage as a consequence of the laparoscopic technique itself both in early and advanced stages of ovarian cancer. Although limited data have been reported in the literature on the use of minimally invasive techniques in ovarian cancer, the clear benefits of this approach must be balanced with the potential hazards in different clinical situations. Laparoscopic staging in borderline tumours and presumed early-stage ovarian cancer performed by a laparoscopic oncologist seems to be safe and effective when compared to laparotomy. The precise role of laparoscopy in patients with more advanced cancer is still to be defined, and the risk of suboptimal surgery should never outweigh the potential benefits of minimally invasive surgery. Thus, a tailored prediction of optimal laparoscopic debulking is mandatory in these patients.

[Sonographic diagnosis of presumed benign ovarian tumors]

To discriminate ovarian lesions is of particular importance in gynecological practice. Two main problems need answers: discrimination of benign and malignant adnexal masses and choice of the appropriate surgical treatment if necessary. Nearly 2% of the adnexal masses are ovarian carcinomas or borderline tumors. It is now, well established that ultrasonography is the gold standard for ovarian cyst diagnosis. The purpose of this data was to review the literature and to establish, with the evidence base medicine model, which parameters and existing diagnostic models using ultrasound and Doppler perform best in the evaluation of adnexal masses. Transvaginal sonography has demonstrated considerable advantage over conventional transabdominal sonography. However, transparietal sonography is still useful in large tumors. Definition of the nomenclature and classification was done and should be used. Unilocular ovarian cyst characterization seems easy using sonography and Doppler. In front of complication, discrimination of such functional cyst may be difficult but spontaneous regression confirms usually the expectative management. Dermoid cysts and endometriomas seem to be easier to discriminate from other adnexal masses. Ultrasound and morphologic parameters have a sensitivity of about 90% and a specificity of 80%; that makes this exam the gold standard for ovarian masses diagnosis. Only 50% of ovarian masses are characterized by sonography. Scoring systems help to differentiate benign from malignant masses (sensitivity of about 90%). Logistic regression and models are good methods especially for LR1 and 2 and RMI and may be useful for malignancy prediction but are difficult to use in current practice. Expert diagnosis is a subjective but most important performing parameter. Any suspicious ovarian mass or not easily diagnosed mass requires sonography by an expert, which can first use all the techniques and the different parameters to discriminate benign and malignant tumors. An explicit report will help the physician to define the right attitude for an appropriate management. Six to 16% of adnexial masses are complex or not classified and will result in MRI prescription or surgery.

Posterior colpotomy: a successful retrieval route for pelvic masses following robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery

We report a technique of transvaginal extraction of pelvic masses or larger specimens removed during robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery in order to avoid larger port incisions and postoperatively reduce pain. Fifty women underwent a transvaginal incision to remove large pelvic masses after robot-assisted laparoscopic hysterectomies. Posterior colpotomies were performed with bagged specimens delivered into the vagina, extracted, and then closed robotically with a running suture. Vaginal extraction of pelvic masses was successful in all attempted cases and in no case was there any spillage, with an average operative time of 94.22 ± 4.48 and no intraoperative complications. This technique can be considered efficacious and safe with minimal morbidity. We suggest a surgical set-up including vaginal-cervical Ahluwalia retractor elevator to be prepared should the specimen be too large to remove via the port site, thus giving the surgeon the opportunity to perform this procedure with ease if necessary.

A minimally invasive approach to laparoscopic surgery for large adnexal cysts with a multichannel port using a wound retractor

This study explored and evaluated the feasibility and safety of laparoscopy with a multichannel port using a wound retractor for large adnexal masses. Seven patients scheduled to undergo single-port or 2-port laparoscopy for large adnexal cysts were enrolled. The cystic mass surface was exposed by inserting the wound retractor through the umbilical port, and cystic fluid was aspirated using a suction-irrigation system after puncture with an Ochsner trocar. Then, laparoscopic adnexal surgery was performed in the usual manner. The mean maximal diameter of cysts, mean operation time, and mean postoperative hospital stay were 17.8 ± 5.4 cm, 81.3 ± 28.2 minutes, and 4.4 ± 2.0 days, respectively. Use of multichannel ports for large adnexal cystic masses seems safe and does not require additional cost. The procedure is also cosmetically effective and highly appreciated by patients, because it results in minimal abdominal scarring.

Laparoscopy as the most effective tool for management of postmenopausal complex adnexal masses when expectancy is not advisable

Postmenopausal women with adnexal masses suspicious for malignancy must undergo surgery for histopathologic confirmation. The low positive predictive value for malignancy of the currently available preoperative examinations results in 5 to 220 surgeries performed for each case of pelvic malignancy detected, depending on the evaluation method and patient selection. Although extensively reviewed as an effective tool for the investigation and treatment of adnexal masses, laparoscopy is still underused for this purpose in postmenopausal women. Some reasons are uncertainty about the incidental diagnosis of a malignant lesion during laparoscopy, concern about the effect of laparoscopy over the course of a pelvic malignant lesion, and inadequate referral of patients at high risk to specialized centers with oncologic gynecologists. Identification of patients at low risk might also be inadequate, causing them to undergo unnecessary laparotomy. Herein we demonstrate through a comprehensive literature review that laparoscopy is a highly effective tool for investigation and treatment of suspected adnexal masses in postmenopausal women, both in general medical settings without oncologic backup and in specialized centers. The indications for laparoscopy in this context can be further expanded without oncologic harm if patients at low and high risk are appropriately selected for surgery at general and specialized settings, respectively.

The role of laparoscopy in the management of adnexal lesions in children

AIM

Laparoscopy has replaced laparotomy in a variety of surgical abdominal conditions. In pediatric patients the vast majority of adnexal lesions are benign. The aim of this study was to assess the safety and feasibility of laparoscopy in adnexal pathology in children.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The case notes of girls with confirmed adnexal disorders treated in a single center between 1998 and 2008 were reviewed retrospectively. Demographic data, clinical and imaging features, surgical findings and procedures, pathologic features, complications, and outcomes were recorded.

RESULTS

Over a 10-year-period 21 patients underwent laparoscopic surgery. Median age at operation was 14 years (range: 2 d to 16 y). Laparoscopy was diagnostic in 1 patient whereas it was therapeutic in 14; 2 patients underwent a laparoscopy-assisted minilaparotomy. The procedure was converted to open in 4 patients due to technical difficulties. The most commonly performed procedures laparoscopically were cyst aspiration (n=6), cystectomy (n=4), unilateral oophorectomy (n=2), and cyst aspiration with deroofing (n=2). No operative or postoperative complications occurred. The overall mean postoperative length of stay was 2.3 days (range: 1 to 6 d); it was 1.8 days (range: 1 to 3 d) for patients who had laparoscopic procedures. Pathology revealed benign lesions in all cases.

CONCLUSIONS

In children with benign adnexal pathology, minimally invasive surgery is a feasible and safe approach. Additional benefits of shorter hospital stay, superior cosmetic result, and lesser risk of infertility, make laparoscopy a method of choice for managing pediatric patients.

Management of asymptomatic ovarian and other adnexal cysts imaged at US: Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound Consensus Conference Statement

The Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound convened a panel of specialists from gynecology, radiology, and pathology to arrive at a consensus regarding the management of ovarian and other adnexal cysts imaged sonographically in asymptomatic women. The panel met in Chicago, Ill, on October 27-28, 2009, and drafted this consensus statement. The recommendations in this statement are based on analysis of current literature and common practice strategies, and are thought to represent a reasonable approach to asymptomatic ovarian and other adnexal cysts imaged at ultrasonography.