Laparoscopy for Giant Cystic Ovarian Tumors in Children

Objective

: We describe our experience with the laparoscopic removal of giant cystic ovarian tumors in four pediatric patients.

Methods

: Patients with giant ovarian tumors removed laparoscopically between 1998 and 2002 were reviewed retrospectively.

Results

: Four girls between the ages of 14 and 17 years (average, 15.5) had giant cystic ovarian masses that were successfully removed laparoscopically. The average maximum diameter of the ovarian cysts of the patients was 16.75 cm (range, 9-20 cm). Three patients had benign ovarian cysts, and one had a teratoma. The duration of the operation ranged from 76 to 210 minutes. The postoperative hospital stays were 1 to 2 days after cyst removal and 3 days after teratoma excision. No intraoperative complications occurred, and the hospital course of all patients was uncomplicated. The morbid obesity of one patient did not negatively affect her surgery. The patients did not report any problems during follow-up, and the clinical examination findings were normal in all at 7 to 14 days after discharge.

Conclusions

: Giant cystic ovarian tumors can be safely removed laparoscopically in pediatric patients. We feel that the laparoscopic removal of giant cystic ovarian tumors in pediatric patients is preferable to removal by laparotomy.