Two methods for the laparoscopic dissection of dermoid ovarian cysts, less than 10 cm, in 55 fertile women, are compared. Water dissection was performed in 23 patients and bipolar scissors were used in 32 patients, creating a rhomb on the surface of the ovary, just to obtain a good traction for atraumatic dissection. The mean surgical time, complications and hospital stay have been compared. Operative laparoscopy is the technique of choice to remove most, if not all, ovarian dermoid cysts. It is suggested to use particular strategies in order to safely and easily dissect in toto the cysts.