Surgery of ovarian tumors in children

Surgery of ovarian tumors in children requires a good knowledge of these lesions. Complete resection is mandatory for malignant lesions, and in the case of benign tumors preservation of healthy ovarian tissue is crucial. Diagnosis is based on clinical features (age and hormonal status), imaging and tumor marker levels. Laparoscopy is of great help in making a diagnosis and staging when the lesion is malignant. Laparotomy by a supra-pubic approach is, however, the only way to ensure a safe treatment of the lesion by avoiding any risk of tumor spillage, which constitutes a chance loss. Surgical treatment consists of complete ovariectomy for a malignant tumor and partial ovariectomy when the lesion is surely benign. Preservation of fertility is based on conservative surgery for uni- or bilateral benign lesions, and may be discussed in some selected cases of bilateral malignant tumors. When the remaining ovarian tissue predicts precocious ovarian failure, ovarian tissue or oocyte cryopreservation may be proposed to patients and their families.