title: A prospective randomized study of laparoscopy and minilaparotomy in the management of benign adnexal masses.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Recent prospective and randomized studies have demonstrated that laparoscopy is better than laparotomy in the treatment of benign adnexal masses. The aim of this study is to analyse the perioperative outcomes of laparoscopy and minilaparotomy in these patients, in a prospective and randomized manner.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between January 2003 and August 2003, 100 consecutive women with a diagnosis of presumed benign adnexal mass and requiring surgical treatment were randomly assigned to minilaparotomy and laparoscopy. Randomization was centralized and computer-based.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All operative procedures were performed without conversion to laparotomy. In the group of patients submitted to minilaparotomy, a shorter operating time than patients submitted to operative laparoscopy (mean+/-SD: 71.9+/-31.8 versus 87.0+/-44.8 min; P<0.05) was found. On the other hand, there were significant differences in terms of postoperative ileus (1.1+/-0.4 days in laparoscopy and 1.4+/-0.6 in minilaparotomy P<0.023), without affecting the day of discharge. No intraoperative or early complications were registered in either group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Taking into account that laparoscopy has to be considered the first choice for benign adnexal surgery, our data suggest that minilaparotomy could offer the gynaecology surgeon a valid alternative in the minimally invasive surgery field, especially in specific settings.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oncology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Campobasso, Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Fanfani
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Fagotti
authors.forename: Alfredo
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ercoli
authors.forename: Giuseppe
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Bifulco
authors.forename: Romina
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Longo
authors.forename: Salvatore
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mancuso
authors.forename: Giovanni
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Scambia
mesh_terms: D000291:Adnexal Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D045823:Ileus / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D015994:Incidence; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects; D007813:Laparotomy / Q000009:adverse effects; D008875:Middle Aged; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors