Management of ovarian dermoid cysts in the pediatric and adolescent population

Abstract

Study objective: To evaluate the surgical approach used in the management of ovarian dermoid cysts in the pediatric and adolescent population.

Design: A descriptive retrospective chart review of all cases of ovarian dermoid cyst excision between January 2001 and January 2006.

Setting: The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada.

Participants: Forty-one female children and adolescents who underwent operative management of an ovarian dermoid cyst.

Main outcome measures: Surgical approach (laparoscopy vs laparotomy), intraoperative cyst rupture, length of hospital stay, and postoperative complications.

Results: The mean age was 12.5 years. All cysts were unilateral. Twenty-three patients (56%) underwent laparoscopic cystectomy, 14 (34%) underwent cystectomy via laparotomy, and 4 (10%) oophorectomies were performed via laparotomy. Cyst size was significantly larger in the laparotomy group compared to the laparoscopy group (mean diameter 14.4 cm vs 7.1 cm, respectively, P < .001). A significantly higher rate of cyst rupture was experienced during laparoscopic cystectomy (100%), compared to excision via laparotomy (27.7%, P < .001). Length of hospital stay was significantly shorter in the laparoscopy group compared to the laparotomy group (median of 0 vs 3 days, respectively, P < .001). A single case in the laparoscopy group sustained a bladder injury and developed postoperative necrotizing fasciitis resulting in a prolonged hospitalization and recovery. There were no operative or postoperative complications related to cyst content spillage, regardless of the surgical approach.

Conclusion: Laparoscopic cystectomy is a safe and effective method of managing ovarian dermoid cysts in the pediatric and adolescent patient population.