Laparoscopic management of extremely large ovarian cysts: clinical analyses of 70 cases

[Objective] To study the safety and feasibility of video laparoscopic surgery for the management of extremely large ovarian cysts. [Methods] 70 patients with large ovarian cysts (diameter≥12 centimeters) were treated by video laparoscopy, and their clinical data were reviewed retrospectively. [Results] Two laparoscopic operations were converted to laparotomy, one because of ovarian malignancy and the other because of ropiness of the cyst fluid. The remaining 68 patients with large ovarian cysts were treated by laparoscopy successfully. Cyst enucleation was the most commonly applied procedure (in 63 cases), while oophorectomy was the least frequent procedure (in 5). The mean age of these patients was 29.59 years, the mean cyst diameter was 17.70 centimeters, the mean operation time was 72.46 minutes, the mean blood loss was 33.88 milliliters, and the hospital stay was 3.51 days with no postoperative complications. [Conclusion] With proper early qualification based on medical history, gynecological and sonographic examination, it is feasible to manage extremely large ovarian cysts by laparoscopy.