Frequency and laparoscopic management of ovarian remnant syndrome.
OBJECTIVE
To report the frequency and outcome of laparoscopy in women with chronic pelvic pain and/or pelvic mass who were found to have ovarian remnants.


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


METHODS
University-affiliated hospital.


METHODS
One hundred nineteen women who had had hysterectomy and oophorectomy.


METHODS
Laparoscopic surgery.


RESULTS
Ovarian remnants were known in 5 and were found intraoperatively in 21 patients (18%). These 26 women had undergone at least one laparoscopy in an attempt to remove the remnants. After the ureter was identified, ovarian remnants were dissected and removed from the retroperitoneum laparoscopically with minimal risk of vessel or visceral injury. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications and no conversions to laparotomy. In addition to ovarian remnants, adhesions were found in 19 women, endometriosis in 4, and no other pathology in 3. Twenty women had complete relief of symptoms. At follow-up of 1 to 8 years (mean 5 yrs), six underwent repeat laparoscopy for persistent pain; one had recurrent ovarian remnant.


CONCLUSIONS
Ovarian remnant syndrome is not an infrequent complication after hysterectomy and oophorectomy in women with endometriosis.
Abu-Rafeh
Basim
B
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 4V2, Canada.
Vilos
George A
GA
Misra
Millie
M
D000328:Adult; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007044:Hysterectomy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010049:Ovarian Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery*; D010052:Ovariectomy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D010147:Pain Measurement; D017699:Pelvic Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013577:Syndrome; D016896:Treatment Outcome