ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare laparoscopic surgery with laparotomy for surgical management of ovarian dermoid cysts. METHODS: One hundred and fifteen patients were managed with laparoscopy and eighty two patients were managed with laparotomy. Two groups were compaired for age, marrital status, parity, tumor size, operation type, previous surgery, operating time, blood loss, pre-, and postoperative hemoglobin change, hospital stay, complications and recurrences. RESULTS: Unilateral slapingo-oophorectomy was the most common type of operation in either group. Between twenty one and thirty was the most common age in either group and para 0 in laparoscopy and para 2 in laparotomy group was the most common. Unilateral ovarian cystectomy was significantly more common for para 0 in laparoscopy group (p=0.035). Number of singles were significantly higher in laparoscopy group (p=0.046). Tumor size was significantly larger in laparotomy group (6.1 vs 7.8 cm). Operating time was shorter for unilateral ovarian cystectomy in laparoscopy group. Blood loss, pre-, and postoperative hemoglobin change, hospital stay was significantly less in laparoscopy group. Febrile morbidity was higher in laparotomy group (p<0.001). However no major complications were noted in either group. CONCLUSION: We conclude that operative laparoscopy has many advantages in the management of ovarian dermoid cysts. However tumor size was a relative limitations for laparoscopy compaired with laparotomy.