A randomized prospective study of laparoscopy and laparotomy in the management of benign ovarian masses

• Published in: American journal of obstetrics and gynecology Vol. 177; no. 1; pp. 109 - 114
• Main Authors: Yuen, P.M., Yu, K.M., Yip, S.K., Lau, W.C., Rogers, M.S., Chang, A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Philadelphia, PA Mosby, Inc 01-07-1997; Elsevier
• Subjects: Adult; Analgesics - therapeutic use; Biological and medical sciences; Dermoid Cyst - diagnosis; Dermoid Cyst - pathology; Dermoid Cyst - surgery; Female; Humans; Incidence; laparoscopy; Laparoscopy - standards; laparotomy; Laparotomy - standards; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Ovarian Cysts - diagnosis; Ovarian Cysts - pathology; Ovarian Cysts - surgery; Ovarian masses; Ovarian Neoplasms - diagnosis; Ovarian Neoplasms - pathology; Ovarian Neoplasms - surgery; Ovary - diagnostic imaging; Ovary - pathology; Ovary - surgery; Pain, Postoperative - drug therapy; Pain, Postoperative - epidemiology; Patient Satisfaction; Prospective Studies; Surgery (general aspects). Transplantations, organ and tissue grafts. Graft diseases; Surgery of the genital tract and mammary gland; Treatment Outcome; Ultrasonography; laparoscopy; Ovarian masses; laparotomy; Human; Prospective; Ovarian diseases; Ovary; Treatment; Surgery; Laparoscopy; Endoscopy; Benign neoplasm; Laparotomy; Comparative study; Female genital diseases
• ISSN: 0002-9378; 1097-6868
• DOI: 10.1016/S0002-9378(97)70447-2

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to compare the results of laparoscopy with laparotomy in the management of ovarian masses not suspected to be malignant. STUDY DESIGN: In a prospective randomized study 102 patients requiring surgical management of ovarian masses were randomly assigned to laparoscopy (52) or laparotomy (50) in a teaching hospital from July 1994 to September 1995. Inclusion criteria was tumor not suspected to be malignant with a diameter of ≤10 cm as measured by ultrasonography. All operations were performed by trainees under the supervision of an experienced surgeon. Statistical analysis included t tests and χ2 tests. RESULTS: There were no differences in demographic characteristics between the two groups nor any difference in the size of ovarian masses, adnexal adhesion score, or frequency of bilateral disease. All the ovarian masses were benign. Endometriotic cysts and dermoid cysts were the most common disorder in the two groups. Cystectomy was performed in >70% of cases in each group. Operating time was not increased with the laparoscopic approach, and the frequency of inadvertent rupture of the ovarian masses was just as high as in laparotomy. The laparoscopic approach was associated with a significant reduction in operative morbidity (odds ratio 0.34, 95% confidence interval 0.13 to 0.88), postoperative pain and analgesic requirement, hospital stay, and recovery period. Patients in general were satisfied with the operation, but significantly more patients were satisfied with the laparoscopy scar. CONCLUSION: Operative laparoscopy should replace laparotomy in the management of benign ovarian masses. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 1997;177:109-14)