An evaluation of transvaginal ultrasound-guided aspiration of simple adnexal cysts

We carried out this clinical study to evaluate the benefits the risks of transvaginal ultrasound-guided aspiration in a group of patients. The study group consisted of 22 premenapausal women who were detected as having benign adnexal cysts, based on ultrasound appearances. Before the procedure, all patients were evaluated thoroughly by pelvic examination, transvaginal ultrasound and serum measurements of CA-125. Oestradiol CA-125, follicle stimulating hormone, luteinising hormone and progesterone were analysed in aspirated cystic fluids as well as cytological evaluation. It was concluded that measurements of follicle stimulating hormone, luteinising hormone, oestradiol and progesterone concentrations in cystic fluid had no prognostic significance. But CA-125 levels over 55 iu/ml were likely to predict the recurrence of the cysts. Cytological examination of the aspirated cystic fluids revealed that 21 cysts were benign functional cysts, but one was serous cystadenoma. We observed recurrence following aspiration in five patients (22.7%) who were followed for 6 months. Patients with simple ovarian cysts will benefit from transvaginal ultrasound-guided aspiration by being saved from surgery and its related complications. However, its use should be limited to those masses that appear to be completely cystic with well-defined borders, because of the risk of the intra-abdominal spillage of the contents of complicated cysts.