Management of dermoid ovarian cysts. Report of 58 cases

OBJECTIVE: To assess diagnosis and therapeutic problems of der mo id cysts.' METHODS: A retrospective study of 58 patients having undergone surgery for dermoid cyst between 1991 and 1999. Clinical, ultrasonographic and therapeutic data were analysed. RESULTS: Dermoid cyst accounts for 21.8% of all ovarian tumours. The mean age of patients was 34.75 years (17-73 years). 48 patients (82.7%) presented symptoms. In 10 cases (17.3%), the cysts were discovered during gynaecological and or ultrasonographic examination. The pre-operative diagnosis was precised with the help of ultrasonography in 52 cases, with standard abdominal X-ray in 19 cases and with computed tornography scan in 4 cases. Laparotornic and laparoscopic treatment were performed in respectively 51 and 7 cases. One case of granulornatous peritonitis after laparoscopic surgery was observed. Histological findings were 64 dermoid cysts and 2 serous cysts. Dermoid cysts were bilateral in 6 cases (10.34%) and associated with contro-laterally serous cyst in 2 cases. CONCLUSION: Dermoid cysts are tumors encountered mainly in young patients. After a careful pre-operative assessment, the laparoscopic approach is very interesting. However, a laparotomy should be considered in case of suspected malignancy.