OUTPATIENT MINILAPAROTOMY OVARIAN CYSTECTOMY FOR BENIGN TERATOMAS IN TEENAGERS

Benign cystic teratomas are the most common ovarian neoplasms in adole scents. An ovary-conserving method was developed for outpatient surgic al removal of benign cystic teratomas by minilaparotomy in teenagers. The technique requires no specialized training, laser devices, or expe nsive disposable instrumentation. As a precaution, the first teenager in whom the technique was used was observed as an inpatient for 3 days . Following this, the method was used as an outpatient procedure in th ree further cases. No complications occurred in any of the four patien ts, and the mean operating time of 85 minutes (range. 60 to 95 minutes ) was similar to the reported time for removal of benign cystic terato mas by laparotomy. Although a randomized controlled study with many mo re patients would be necessary for a definitive conclusion, considerab le cost savings and reduction in morbidity over traditional laparotomy are suggested by this experience. Copyright (C) 1996 by W.B. Saunders Company