Minimally invasive management of huge ovarian cysts by laparoscopic extracorporeal approach

Laparoscopy has been widely performed in adnexal surgery for benign masses. For large adnexal masses, laparoscopy has not been commonly used and laparotomy remains the gold standard due to several technical difficulties in the former, including a limited surgical field, risk of unintended cyst rupture during the insertion of the Veress needle or trocar, and the possibility of malignancy. Recent advances in laparoscopic techniques have offered acceptable options for performing laparoscopy in patients with very large adnexal cysts. We performed ovarian cystectomy of huge ovarian cysts via a laparoscopic extracorporeal approach through an umbilical single-site incision, successfully minimizing the possibility of cyst contents leaking into the peritoneal cavity. Use of a single-site incision at the umbilicus for huge adnexal cystic masses appears safe and spares the additional costs of using conventional surgical instruments. It is also cosmetically effective and highly appreciated by patients because it results in minimal abdominal scarring.