Management of ovarian masses. AAGL 1990 survey

The American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists (AAGL) membership was surveyed on the use of laparoscopy in the management of persistent ovarian masses in 1990. A total of 13,739 laparoscopies were performed for this indication. Ninety-six percent of the respondents performed laparoscopy for this indication on premenopausal women only. Among respondents performing laparoscopy for suspected cancer, there was a 14% conversion rate to laparotomy, compared to 9% among those who performed direct laparotomies when cancer was suspected. An overall incidence of 4 per 1,000 cases of stage I ovarian cancer was found, and about 70% of women with persistent adnexal masses were managed by laparoscopy alone. The risks to women with cancer, as well as the benefits to those without, are discussed.