Laparoscopic Management Of The Persistent Adnexal Mass In Pregnancy: Is It Safe?

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate and compare the surgical management and outcome of the laparoscopic removal of persistent adnexal masses during pregnancy with laparotomy. Study Design: The records of all pregnant women undergoing adnexal surgery were reviewed between January 1995 and June 1999. A total of 58 cases were recorded. Results: A total of 11 cases underwent laparoscopic management of their persistent adnexal mass and 47 underwent laparotomy. Age, parity, history of previous abdominal surgery, weight, gestational age, size of cyst, gestational age at delivery, rate of caesarean section, birth weight were no different in these two groups. The patients who underwent laparoscopy had a significantly longer operating time (82 vs. 51.1 minutes), shorter hospitalisation (2.1 vs 6.7 days) and less need for parental analgesics (9.1% compared 83.0 %). One recorded case of abortion occurred in the laparotomy group. Histological diagnoses were comparable with cystic teratomata, endometriotic cysts and benign ovarian cyst adenomas being the most common in both groups. Conclusion: Laparoscopic removal of the persistent ovarian mass may be safely performed in pregnancy and offers shorter recovery time and better patient satisfaction compared to the traditional laparotomy.