Transvaginal laparoscopic surgery for ovarian cysts

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of transvaginal laparoscopic surgery (TLS) using endoscopic instruments for management of ovarian cysts. METHODS: In a retrospective study, data from 140 patients with benign ovarian cysts who underwent TLS at Konkuk University Hospital between June 2007 and December 2008 were evaluated. The preoperative characteristics of patients, operative time, blood loss, complications, and postoperative outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 38 years (range, 16-82 years). TLS was accomplished in 136 women (97.1%). The more common pathology findings included 35 dermoid cysts, 28 endometriotic cysts, 23 mucinous cysts, 21 serous cysts, and 13 functional ovarian cysts. The median operative time was 35 minutes (range 15-110 minutes). The maximum diameter of the ovarian cysts ranged from 3 to 20 cm (mean 6 cm). The median estimated blood loss was 38 mL (range 10-80 mL). No patients received a blood transfusion. All of the patients were discharged within 24 hours of surgery. No major complications occurred. CONCLUSION: Transvaginal laparoscopic surgery was found to be a feasible and cosmetically beneficial surgical technique for managing selected patients with benign ovarian cysts.