Functional ovarian cysts and the need to remove them

Abstract Objective : To review the need for the removal of functional ovarian cysts. Materials and Methods : Over a 5-year period, between July 1994 and June 1999, all functional ovarian cysts files were reviewed in order to determine the main surgical indication. Results : Thirty-four functional ovarian cysts (11.45%) were removed during that period. In 14 cases, the surgical operation was considered justified. In 32 cases, the cysts were not organic as supposed to be and had no reason to be removed. Discussion : Reported functional ovarian cyst removal rates range from 15 to 30%. Present exploration means (particularly ultrasound-guided needle aspiration) does not permit to discriminate functional from organic cysts in more than 70% of the cases. Conclusion : It is impossible to reduce functional cyst removal rate to 0% but we should all evaluate our activity yearly and be able to limit this rate to less than 30%.