Laparoscopic treatment of ovarian cyst in the newborn.

BACKGROUND

Nine cases of persistent or complicated cyst were analyzed in an attempt to answer two questions: whether laparoscopic treatment of ovarian cyst in the newborn is justified and whether a pneumoperitoneum can be used in such infants.

METHODS

Laparoscopic treatment was used for nine newborn babies. The children were 4 days to 2.5 months old. Cyst size ranged from 36 to 72 mm in length.

RESULTS

The treatment was exclusively laparoscopic in six cases, and the other three cases required conversion. A maximal insufflation of 4 mmHg was used in five cases. Adnexectomy was necessary in three cases. The duration of the laparoscopic procedure was 20 to 75 min, and that of the postoperative stay was 1 to 5 days. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopy in the newborn is justified, but only in the hands of well-trained teams. The use of a pneumoperitoneum is possible, but should be reserved for difficulties with abdominal wall suspension.