Laparoscopy versus laparotomy for benign ovarian tumour

Area of Science:

• Gynecologic Oncology
• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Surgical Outcomes

Background:

• Laparoscopy and minilaparotomy are increasingly common for benign ovarian tumor removal.
• Laparotomy remains the standard for suspected malignant tumors.
• Preoperative assessment aids in surgical approach selection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the benefits, harms, and costs of laparoscopy or minilaparotomy versus laparotomy for benign ovarian tumors.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
• Searched electronic databases, trial registers, and reference lists.
• Eight reviewers independently assessed study eligibility, quality, and extracted data.

Main Results:

• Laparoscopic surgery showed fewer adverse events (OR 0.3) and less postoperative pain (WMD -2.4) compared to laparotomy.
• Patients undergoing laparoscopy had shorter hospital stays (WMD -2.88 days) and were more likely to be pain-free (OR 7.42).
• Laparoscopy was associated with reduced costs (WMD -USD 1045) and fewer adverse events compared to minilaparotomy in three RCTs.

Conclusions:

• Laparoscopy for benign ovarian tumors reduces fever, infection, complications, pain, and hospital stay, with lower costs.
• Findings should be interpreted cautiously due to a small number of studies (769 women) and incomplete outcome reporting.