Surgical management of ovarian cysts in postmenopausal women

Abstract

Many ovary cysts are asymptomatic especially in postmenopausal women. In the case of large cysts, the risk of malignancy becomes increase and if conservatively treated could remain unchanged. Although the laparoscopy still represents the main abort pathway, in the cases when cysts present the signs of malignancy or even extraovarian dissemination, the treatment should involved laparotomy. Anyway, the technique which should be applied in ovarian cysts should take into consideration the patient will and the surgeon’s experience in which the staging can be performed when indicated. The present review systematizes the pathology, ovarian masses evaluation, laparoscopy vs. laparotomy techniques, the role of CA125 marker and surgical management of the cysts in postmenopausal women.