[Laparoscopic management of ovarian cysts in postmenopausal women]

To report our experience with laparoscopic treatment of ovarian cysts in postmenopausal women. During the period January 2000 to December 2006, 18 postmenopausal women were admitted for laparoscopy. The indications for the operation were an ovarian cyst that did not meet the criteria of a simple cyst, or was larger than 4 cm. The median age of the patients was 55 [range 43-82]. The mean time since menopause was 6 years [range: 1-30 years]. All laparoscopies were successfully accomplished. No case of malignancy was found. Histological examination revealed 15 serous cysts, one mucinous cyst, one endometroid cyst and one functional cyst. Neither intraoperative nor post-operative complications occurred. There was no surgery-related mortality. Mobilization of all women was carried out within 12 h of the operation. The mean hospitalization stay was 2 days. Laparoscopic management of carefully selected ovarian cysts is an appropriate alternative for exploratory laparotomy even in elderly patients with or without underlying diseases