Ovarian Pathologies in Paediatric Age Group - Our Experience and Review of Literature

Abstract

Ovarian pathologies presenting as Adnexal Masses are rare in paediatric age group. We present retrospective, multicentric study of 20 cases, managed between Aug 2015 to Aug 2020. Patients’ age at the time of presentation ranged from 1 day to 12 years of age, 75% patients falling between 5 to 12 years. 50% patients had Simple follicular cysts, 30% had Dermoid cysts. Ovarian Torsion, Malignancy and Para ovarian cysts comprised the rest of the pathologies. As many as 70% patients presented with acute abdomen due to torsion and the remaining 30% came in elective settings. All patients with acute abdomen underwent emergency laparotomy. Laparoscopy could be offered only to those patients who came in elective settings.Incidence of ovarian pathologies presenting as adnexal masses or with acute abdomen due to compromised blood supply is on the rise. Therefore, adnexal pathologies should be considered in Differential Diagnosis of acute abdomen in paediatric patients. Aggressive surgical intervention at presentation prevents loss of ovary. Extra efforts from the treating physician are required to emphasise the need for long term follow up.