MANAGEMENT OF BENIGN OVARIAN CYSTIC TERATOMAS - LAPAROSCOPY COMPARED WITH LAPAROTOMY

Study Objective. To determine the outcomes of laparoscopic management of benign ovarian cystic teratomas (dermoids) compared with traditiona l laparotomy and excision. Design. A retrospective analysis of patient s treated from October 1988 to May 1993. Setting. University of Connec ticut Health Center-affiliated hospitals. Patients. Thirty-eight women with dermoid cysts that were managed either by laparotomy or laparosc opy, 19 matched patients in each group. The majority of lesions in bot h groups were diagnosed at routine pelvic examination. Interventions T he two groups were assessed with respect to age, gravidy, parity, size of lesions, and estimated blood loss at surgery. Measurements and Mai n Results. Two values were significantly different in the group treate d by laparoscopy: more dermoids ruptured intraoperatively, and the mea n hospital stay was significant shorter (p less than or equal to 0.01) . In most cases cystectomy was performed with preservation of the invo lved ovary. After a mean follow-up of 11 months, no complications such as severe chemical granulomatous peritonitis or persistent pelvic pai n have been encountered in the laparoscopy group. Conclusions. Laparos copic management of dermoids is safe and cost effective, and provides patients the benefit of a shorter hospital stay and recovery time.