Fetal ovarian cysts: a report of five cases

Abstract

Large fetal ovarian cysts are rare; however, widespread use of antenatal ultrasound examination has led to an increased detection rate and surgical removal. A case presenting with bowel obstruction is described along with four other cases that presented in the last 24 years. Previously reported series are reviewed and compared. It is stressed that complications are very rare and hasty surgical management of cases detected by ultrasound scanning is not warranted.