EARLY AND SHORT-TERM COMPLICATIONS AFTER US-GUIDED PUNCTURE OF GYNECOLOGIC LESIONS - EVALUATION AFTER 1,000 CONSECUTIVE CASES

PURPOSE: To ascertain the complication rate associated with ultrasound (US)-guided puncture of gynecologic lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: B etween 1986 and 1992, 878 transabdominal and 122 transvaginal US-guide d punctures of gynecologic lesions were performed in 893 patients. Mos t of the procedures were performed in adnexal cysts (n = 838); the res t, in solid tumors (n = 66), mixed tumors (n = 56), or lymphoceles, ab scesses, or fluid collections (n = 40). No anesthesia or antibiotic pr ophylaxis was routinely used. RESULTS: No life-threatening complicatio n was recorded. Early complications (defined as complications that occ urred within 24 hours after puncture) were recorded in 31 patients and consisted mainly of transient vagal symptoms or pain. Short-term comp lications (within 5 days after puncture) were recorded in 10 patients, six of whom required surgery. CONCLUSION: US-guided puncture of gynec ologic lesions is safe in selected patients. Complication rates depend on the type of lesion and are very high in dermoid cysts, which shoul d not be punctured, and extremely low in serous cysts, solid tumors, a nd mixed tumors.