title: Hemorrhagic corpus luteum cysts: an unusual problem for pediatric surgeons.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Hemorrhagic corpus luteum cysts (HCLC) constitute a common disorder in pediatric subjects undergoing surgical intervention. HCLCs especially develop in the early period after menarche, and they are commonly associated with dysfunctional ovulation.
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective analysis of surgery outcome of HCLC patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  Pediatric Surgery Unit, S. Chiara University Hospital.
  
  
  METHODS
  13 girls with HCLC diagnosis.
  
  
  METHODS
  Surgical treatment of HCLCs.
  
  
  METHODS
  We reviewed the clinical presentation and outcome of 13 post-menarcheal girls surgically treated for HCLCs in the Pediatric Surgical Unit from 2002 to 2006.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Primary presentation was persistent abdominal pain in 84.6% and acute abdominal pain in 15.4% of patients, respectively. Ultrasound examination showed complex ovarian masses in 77.23% cases and simple ovarian masses in 33.7% cases, respectively. Although laparoscopic excision of HCLC was performed in more than 45% cases, laparotomic approach was commonly required. After conservative surgery, ovarian size and viability were normal, as assessed by 6-month ultrasound scan. No recurrences of disease and regular menses were reported at 2 years follow-up.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In pediatric subjects with HCLC that required surgical intervention, no complications or disorder recurrence were reported. In order to preserve ovarian function, conservative surgery has to be performed whenever feasible.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, Pisa 56126, Italy. c.spinelli@dc.med.unipi.it
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Spinelli
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Di Giacomo
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Mucci
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Massart
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008572:Menarche; D010048:Ovarian Cysts / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery*; D018579:Patient Selection; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome