Laparoscopic diagnosis and management of ovarian torsion in the newborn

Abstract

Background and objectives: The application of laparoscopic techniques in the surgical management of neonatal ovarian cysts is proving valuable both as a diagnostic tool and a potential therapeutic intervention. We report the successful management of a prenatally diagnosed ovarian cyst in a newborn female and provide operative evidence for the presumptive etiology of the cyst.

Methods and results: A prenatally diagnosed ovarian cyst was managed using 5 mm laparoscopic instruments in a newborn female. The prenatal ultrasonographic and operative findings are consistent with in utero adnexal torsion with subsequent autoamputation and cystic degeneration of the ovary. The orphaned ovarian cyst was removed from the infant's abdominal cavity by enlarging the camera port incision.

Discussion: The application of laparoendoscopic procedures in infants and children continues to evolve with the availability, of microinstrumentation and increasing experience among pediatric surgeons. This approach may prove valuable in the diagnosis and management of prenatally diagnosed ovarian cysts. In addition, further insight into the etiology of congenital ovarian cysts may be obtained. The safety and efficacy of this approach in these infants remains to be fully evaluated.

Figure 1.

Laparoscopic view of absent right ovary and fallopian tube. Note the otherwise normal uterus and left adnexa.

Figure 2.

Autoamputated right ovarian cyst adherent to the omentum. No viable oocytes or follicles were found.