Ovarian cysts in infants: Indications for intervention and advantages of the minimally invasive method

Abstract

Introduction. The incidence of diagnosed neonatal ovarian cysts has increased markedly with widespread use of
ultrasonography. This article describes a laparoscopic approach to the management of 11 infants with large ovarian cysts at
the Kloof MediClinic hospital in Pretoria The single-port technique was used; 7 patients underwent laparoscopic salpingooophorectomy
for necrotic ovaries due to torsion, and 4 underwent deroofing of uncomplicated cysts.
Aim. To review the clinical indications for surgical intervention and results of the minimally invasive technique used for
infants with large ovarian cysts.
Patients and methods. This is a retrospective review of the medical records of infants who underwent laparoscopic intervention
for an ovarian cyst between 2004 and 2008.
Results. Between 2004 and 2008 laparoscopic surgery was performed on 11 infants with ovarian cysts. In 7 cases torsion was
already present, which necessitated salpingo-oophorectomy. Four patients had uncomplicated cysts which needed only to be
deroofed. There were no complications, and all patients were discharged on the second postoperative day.