Should adnexal mass size influence surgical approach? A series of 186 laparoscopically managed large adnexal masses.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the feasibility and safety of laparoscopic management of adnexal masses > or = 10 cm in size.


METHODS
Prospective cohort study.


METHODS
Two Gynecology Departments of University Hospitals.


METHODS
All women presenting with an adnexal mass > or = 10 cm in diameter were candidates for laparoscopic management. Women were excluded from laparoscopic approach if there was evidence of ascites or gross metastatic disease. Neither the sonographic features of the cyst nor elevated serum CA125 level was used to exclude women from having a laparoscopic approach.


METHODS
A single operative protocol was followed for all women. All removed specimens were sent for immediate pathological evaluation.


METHODS
Rate of conversion to laparotomy, incidence of cancer encountered, and operative complications.


RESULTS
One hundred and eighty-six women underwent laparoscopic evaluation for an adnexal mass of 10 cm or larger in size. The average preoperative mass size was 12.1 +/- 4.9 cm. A benign pathological condition was found in 86.6% (161/186) of the women, primary ovarian cancer in 16 (8.6%) women, a metastatic tumour of gastrointestinal origin in 1 (0.5%) woman, and a low malignant potential ovarian tumour in 8 (4.3%) women. Laparoscopic management was successful for 174 (93.5%) women. Reasons for conversion to laparotomy included anticipated technical difficulty (n = 7) and malignancy (n = 5). No intraoperative complications occurred in the entire study group.


CONCLUSIONS
The vast majority of large adnexal masses can be safely resected laparoscopically, provided that there is expertise in laparoscopic surgery, immediate access to frozen section diagnosis, and preparation of patient to receive an adequate cancer surgery where indicated.
Ghezzi
F
F
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Insubria, Del Ponte Hospital, Varese, Italy. fabio.ghezzi@uninsubria.it
Cromi
A
A
Bergamini
V
V
Uccella
S
S
Siesto
G
G
Franchi
M
M
Bolis
P
P
D000290:Adnexa Uteri / Q000473:pathology*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D013509:Gynecologic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D047908:Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011506:Proteins / Q000378:metabolism
D047908:Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; C549756:NBR1 protein, human; D011506:Proteins