Evaluation of laparoscopic and open surgery in pregnant women with benign ovarian tumor

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the identification of influential factors for physician's choice of laparoscopic and open surgery against benign ovarian tumor during pregnancy.
Design: We conducted the retrospective comparative analysis of 10 laparoscopic and 7 open surgeries for ovarian tumors performed during pregnancy in our hospital between April 2003 and March 2010 by clinical records. The laparoscopic surgery was performed under general anesthesia, either with intra-peritoneal or trans-peritoneal technique.
Results: Statistical analysis revealed the following factors were significantly different between laparoscopic surgery and open surgery (p<0.05): gestational date, operation time, surgeon type (specialist for laparoscopy vs. no specialist), anesthesia technique, post operative hospitalization, and post operative pain. No patient encountered complications during the intra- and post-operative periods. All outcome of the pregnancy was normal.
Conclusion: We confirmed that the laparoscopic surgery for ovarian tumor is useful and safe even during pregnancy. For elective laparoscopic surgery, we recommend to perform the operation around 12-week gestation for its easy feasibility and the safety for gravid uterus and fetus.