Long-Term Recurrence of Ovarian Dermoid Cysts: A 10-Year Comparative Analysis of Laparoscopic Versus Open Surgery

Objective: To compare clinical outcomes and recurrence predictors in women operated for dermoid cysts via laparotomy or laparoscopy. Methods: Between January 2015 and June 2024, 189 women underwent surgery for ovarian dermoid cysts. After excluding cases with hysterectomy/bilateral oophorectomy ( n = 23) and those with discrepant pathology ( n = 13), 153 patients with preserved reproductive organs and confirmed mature teratoma were eligible. Recurrence data were available for 133 women (laparotomy: n = 70; laparoscopy: n = 63). Clinical characteristics, cyst features, and perioperative outcomes were compared. Logistic regression was performed to identify independent predictors of recurrence. Results: Mean age was 28.8 ± 7.9 years. The overall recurrence rate was 9.8% ( n = 13), with no significant difference between laparoscopy (11.1%) and laparotomy (8.6%; p = 0.243). Bilateral cysts were more frequent among recurrence cases (28.6% vs. 10.0%, p = 0.052). Multivariate regression showed a borderline association with younger age (odds ratio [OR]: 0.917, 95% CI: 0.834–1.009, p = 0.076), while bilaterality had an elevated OR (OR: 6.089, 95% CI: 0.506–73.260, p = 0.155) but did not reach statistical significance. Conclusion: Despite higher intraoperative rupture rates in laparoscopy, recurrence risk was comparable to laparotomy. Bilaterality and younger age may represent potential risk factors, though not independently predictive. Laparoscopy remains a safe, fertility-preserving option for dermoid cyst management.