The management of mature cystic teratomas in children and adolescents: a retrospective analysis

Mature cystic teratomas (MCT) are the most common ovarian tumours seen in c hildren and adolescents, Fifty-two patients <21 years of age had surgical r emoval of an MCT, 14 of whom were approached laparoscopically. Compared wit h laparotomy, those patients managed laparoscopically had a significantly s horter hospital stay. Intra-operative tumour spillage occurred in 27 (52%) patients; there were no cases of chemical peritonitis, Available follow-up data on 34 (65%) patients revealed seven pregnancies occurring at a median of 70 months (46-123) postoperatively, including four in patients with intr aoperative MCT spill. There were no cases of tumour recurrence during the f ollow-up period among the 27 (52%) patients managed with ovarian cystectomy , These results demonstrate that some of the conclusions regarding the cont emporary management of MCT in adults are applicable to children and adolesc ents.