Seven years' experience in laparoscopic dissection of intact ovarian dermoid cysts

A large case series on laparoscopic removal of dermoid cysts with a diameter between 3 and 12 cm, via an endobag, is reported (127 cysts in 121 premenopausal women). The incidence of spillage and recurrence rate of laparoscopic ovarian dermoid cystectomy, the duration of the surgical procedure, the length of hospitalization, the incidence of recurrence and pregnancies was evaluated. In 2.5% of cases, the endobag ruptured during removal, and a total spillage rate of 12% was seen. No signs or symptoms of peritonitis were observed regardless of cystic spillage or not. Laparoscopic cystectomy of dermoid cysts in premenopausal women is safe and effective and appears to be a valuable alternative to laparotomy. Controlled intraperitoneal spillage of cyst contents does not increase postoperative morbidity as long as an endobag is used and the peritoneal cavity is washed out thoroughly.