Use of the SAND balloon catheter for the laparoscopic surgery of benign ovarian cysts

Objective We studied the advantages and disadvantages of using the newly de veloped SAND balloon catheter for the laparoscopic treatment of benign ovar ian cysts and hydrosalpinx. Methods The SAND balloon catheter, which has two balloons at the tip, can h old and extend the ovarian cyst, which allows suction of the cystic fluid, and irrigation of the cystic cavity. Laparoscopic surgery using this cathet er was carried out in 36 cases of ovarian or uterine cysts, or hydrosalpinx (32 patients). Results The cystic fluid in all 36 cases was successfully aspirated without gross identification of spillage. Adhesiolysis of the cyst was easily done by pulling the ovarian cyst with the SAND balloon catheter. None of the 36 cysts ruptured during aspiration and irrigation. The balloon did not slide during the procedure in any of the 36 cases. In 16 of the 32 patients who underwent the laparoscopic procedure, a conservative cystectomy procedure, in which only the cyst was excised, was performed. In the remaining 16 pati ents, oophorectomy was performed. Conclusions The SAND balloon catheter was extremely useful for aspirating t he cystic fluid, and for the irrigation and excision of the cyst, during th e laparoscopic surgery of benign ovarian cysts.