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Updated: Aug 13, 2026

Surgical Techniques to Optimize Ovarian Reserve during Laparoscopic Cystectomy for Ovarian Endometrioma
Published on: January 22, 2022
[Ovarian cysts assumed benign in the peripubertal period (10 to 16 years)]
1Service de Chirurgie Pédiatrique, Hôpital Gatien de Clocheville, CHU Tours, 49, boulevard Béranger, 37044 Tours.
Insights
Ovarian cysts are rare in children, with functional cysts being most common. Early ultrasound diagnosis improves detection, while organic cysts require further investigation and often surgical treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gynecology
- Diagnostic Imaging in Pediatrics
- Pediatric Oncology
Context:
- Ovarian cysts are uncommon in infants and children.
- Functional cysts represent the majority (60%) of benign ovarian tumors in this age group.
- Increased use of ultrasound for pediatric abdominal pain has led to more frequent detection of functional cysts.
Purpose:
- To review the diagnosis and management of ovarian cysts in pediatric patients.
- To highlight the increasing incidence of functional cysts due to improved diagnostic accuracy.
- To differentiate between functional and organic ovarian cysts in children.
Summary:
- Functional cysts are the most common type, often resolving spontaneously.
- Organic cysts, including germ cell tumors (e.g., dermoid cysts), are less frequent but may be diagnosed later.
- Ultrasonography and laparoscopy are key diagnostic and therapeutic tools.
- Tumor markers like CEA, alpha-fetoprotein, and beta-hCG aid in diagnosing organic tumors.
Impact:
- Improved diagnostic accuracy for pediatric ovarian masses.
- Timely identification and management of both benign and malignant ovarian conditions in children.
- Guidance on the appropriate use of imaging and surgical interventions for pediatric ovarian cysts.
Abstract:
Ovarian cyst is a rare disease in infancy and childhood. Functional cysts are the most common benign ovarian tumor observed during childhood. Ultrasound examination in children with abdominal pain has improve diagnostic accuracy with an associated increase in the frequency of functional cysts (60% of the cases). Diagnosis of organic cysts is often made late. Germ cell tumors, often dermoid cysts, occur more frequently than in adults. Ultrasonography and laparoscopy are important diagnostic tools for ovarian cysts in children. Serum CEA, alpha-fetoprotein and beta HGC are routine tests for organic tumors. Laparoscopy is generally proposed for treatment except for small functional cysts with a transonic structure. Spontaneous involution is generally observed.
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