Laparoscopic Treatment of Ovarian Dermoid Cysts: Eleven Years' Experience

Study Objective

To compare laparoscopic and open approaches in the management of benign ovarian teratomas (dermoid cysts) with regard to operative outcome, complications, and postoperative follow-up. Factors that predispose to rupture of dermoid cysts during laparoscopic removal and rates of adhesion formation in women with and without cyst rupture during laparoscopic surgery also were considered.

Design

Review of cases of women with dermoid cysts who underwent cystectomy either by laparoscopy or laparotomy in our department from 1992 through 2002 (Canadian Task Force classification III).

Setting

The Infertility and Operative Laparoscopy units of the First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the University of Athens, Alexandra Maternity Hospital, Athens, Greece.

Patients

Two hundred twenty-two women with an ovarian mass requiring surgical management. Of these, 187 women with benign cystic teratomas underwent laparoscopic cystectomy, and 35 underwent cystectomy by laparotomy.

Intervention

Cystectomy either by laparoscopy or laparotomy.

Measurements and Main Results

Potential benefits of operative laparoscopy include reduced blood loss, less postoperative pain, shorter hospital stay, fast recovery, and an excellent cosmetic result.

Conclusion

Laparoscopy should be considered the method of choice for the removal of benign ovarian cystic teratomas as it offers the advantages of fewer postoperative adhesions, reduced pain, shorter hospital stay, and better cosmetic result. It should be performed by surgeons with considerable experience in advanced laparoscopic surgery.