Ovarioscopy, a technique to determine the nature of cystic ovarian tumors.
OBJECTIVE
To test the value of ovarioscopy as an additional step in the diagnostic work-up of probably benign cystic ovarian tumors before laparoscopic intervention, and to compare its diagnostic accuracy with that of transvaginal ultrasonography (TVUS) and tumor markers.


METHODS
Cross-sectional study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2).


METHODS
Gynecologic endoscopy unit at a university hospital.


METHODS
Sixty-eight women with unilateral or bilateral ovarian cystic swellings without clinical, sonographic, or laparoscopic suspicion of malignancy.


METHODS
Preoperatively, TVUS and tumor markers were estimated. Intraoperative endocystic ovarioscopic visualization ovarioscopy and ovarioscopy-guided biopsy were done before laparoscopy.


RESULTS
Ovarioscopy had the highest specificity for detecting benign ovarian cysts (98%) compared with (72.6%) and (72%) for tumor markers and TVUS, respectively. Its positive predictive value was 50% compared with 5% and 6% for tumor markers and TVUS, respectively. Its findings agreed with the histopathologic diagnosis in 39 patients (57%, p = 0.000, k = 0.85).


CONCLUSIONS
Ovarioscopy is a simple, rapid maneuver that should precede laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy. It is superior to tumor markers and TVUS for predicting the benign nature of ovarian cysts.
Darwish
A M
AM
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Assiut University Hospital, Assiut, Egypt.
Amin
A F
AF
El-Feky
M A
MA
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000032:analysis*; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D010048:Ovarian Cysts / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D010052:Ovariectomy / Q000379:methods; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor