Objective: To evaluate the results of laparoscopic surgery in the management of ovarian cysts in pregnant patients.
Patients and methods: Retrospective study including 26 pregnant patients who underwent the laparoscopic management of ovarian cysts. The indications for surgery were persistent adnexal mass, abnormal ovarian cysts revealed by ultrasound examination, suspicion of cyst complications. The technique used, the immediate postoperative results and obstetrical outcomes were studied.
Results: Twelve patients were operated during the first trimester of pregnancy, 13 in the second, and one in the third trimester. A 12 mmHg CO2 pneumoperitoneum was created, using a Veress needle in 22 cases, and an open technique in 4 cases. Trocar sites were decided according to the uterine size and to the cyst situation. A cystectomy was performed in 11 cases, an adnexectomy in 7 cases, an oophorectomy in one case, a cyst aspiration with a biopsy of the cyst wall in 6 cases and an ovarian torsion removal in one case. A conversion to laparotomy was necessary in 3 cases. There were no immediate postoperative complications and obstetrical outcomes were good in all cases.
Discussion and conclusion: In pregnant patients, laparoscopic management of adnexal masses appears to be safe for both mother and child.