Study objective: To determine the outcomes of laparoscopic management of benign ovarian cystic teratomas (dermoids) compared with traditional laparotomy and excision.
Design: A retrospective analysis of patients treated from October 1988 to May 1993.
Setting: University of Connecticut Health Center-affiliated hospitals.
Patients: Thirty-eight women with dermoid cysts that were managed either by laparotomy or laparoscopy, 19 matched patients in each group. The majority of lesions in both groups were diagnosed at routine pelvic examination.
Interventions: The two groups were assessed with respect to age, gravidy, parity, size of lesions, and estimated blood loss at surgery.
Measurements and main results: Two values were significantly different in the group treated by laparoscopy: more dermoids ruptured intraoperatively, and the mean hospital stay was significantly shorter (p</=0.01). In most cases cystectomy was performed with preservation of the involved ovary. After a mean follow-up of 11 months no complications such as severe chemical granulomatous peritonitis or persistent pelvic pain have been encountered in the laparoscopy group.
Conclusions: Laparoscopic management of dermoids is safe and cost effective, and provides patients the benefit of a shorter hospital stay and recovery time.