Management of adnexal masses by operative laparoscopy.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the efficacy of operative laparoscopy to confirm the diagnosis of benign adnexal masses, and treat the lesions.


METHODS
Consecutive patients evaluated for this indication between January 1989 and December 1993, who met the inclusion criteria.


METHODS
The Jan Palfijn General Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium, and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Varese, Varese, Italy.


METHODS
One hundred twenty-one women with a clinical, biochemical, and ultrasound diagnosis of benign adnexal mass.


METHODS
Operative videolaparoscopy was carried out in all patients using the carbon dioxide or argon laser, electrical, or mechanical means.


RESULTS
Depending on the patient's age and the appearance of the adnexal mass aspirate, biopsy, cystectomy, or adnexectomy was performed. The conversion rate to laparotomy was 2.4%. A pathologic diagnosis was made in all cases. In this series no malignancy was encountered.


CONCLUSIONS
Operative laparoscopy is safe and effective for treating adnexal masses provided that the preoperative diagnosis indicates that the lesions are benign.
van Herendael
B
B
Jan Palfijn General Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Merksem Antwerp, Belgium.
Beretta
P
P
Slangen
T
T
Franchi
M
M
Swaegers
M
M
Zanaboni
F
F
D000290:Adnexa Uteri / Q000601:surgery; D000291:Adnexal Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001128:Argon; D001706:Biopsy; D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D004598:Electrosurgery; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000601:surgery; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000601:surgery; D010535:Laparoscopy; D007813:Laparotomy; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008875:Middle Aged; D010048:Ovarian Cysts / Q000601:surgery; D019152:Paracentesis; D017699:Pelvic Pain / Q000601:surgery; D012008:Recurrence; D014741:Video Recording
D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D001128:Argon