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Post-resection outcomes for pediatric ovarian neoplasm: is ovarian-preserving surgery a good option?
Nima Azarakhsh1, Sandra Grimes1, Pranit N Chotai1,2
1Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 49 N Dunlap Street, Second Floor, Memphis, TN, USA.
Insights
Pediatric ovarian tumor surgery shows good intermediate outcomes. Most patients reported good quality of life, but long-term fertility and dysmenorrhea monitoring is needed.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Gynecologic Oncology
- Reproductive Health
Background:
- Pediatric surgeons frequently manage ovarian tumors in children.
- Limited data exists on long-term outcomes for these young patients.
- This study evaluates intermediate-term results following pediatric ovarian neoplasm resection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize intermediate-term outcomes for children treated surgically for ovarian neoplasms.
- To assess recurrence, dysmenorrhea, quality of life, and fertility post-surgery.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective identification of pediatric patients who underwent ovarian neoplasm surgery.
- Telephone survey to assess post-surgical outcomes.
- Data collection on recurrence, dysmenorrhea, quality of life, and fertility.
Main Results:
- 79 patients met inclusion criteria; 31 had ovarian-sparing surgery, 48 had oophorectomy.
- Five recurrences were reported.
- 56 patients interviewed at a median 4.6-year follow-up; good quality of life reported.
- Dysmenorrhea reported in 52% (ovarian-sparing) and 78% (oophorectomy); two patients experienced infertility.
Conclusions:
- Intermediate-term outcomes for pediatric ovarian tumor surgery (ovarian-sparing or oophorectomy) are generally favorable.
- Long-term monitoring is recommended to better evaluate fertility and dysmenorrhea.
- Further research is needed for comprehensive long-term assessment.
Purpose:
Pediatric surgeons often care for children with ovarian tumors. Few studies report long-term outcomes for these patients. This study characterizes intermediate-term results for patients who underwent surgical resection of ovarian neoplasms as children.
Methods:
Patients who underwent surgery for ovarian neoplasms at a children's hospital were identified. They were invited to participate in a telephone-based survey assessing post-surgical recurrence, dysmenorrhea, quality of life, and fertility.
Results:
188 patients were identified; 79 met criteria. 31 patients had ovarian-sparing tumor resection; 48 had oophorectomy; five had recurrences. 56 were successfully interviewed at a median follow-up of 4.6 years. Dysmenorrhea rates of 52 and 78 % were reported (p = 0.07), respectively. Two patients suffered from infertility. Quality of life was generally reported as good.
Conclusion:
Intermediate outcomes are good for patients who underwent ovarian-sparing tumor resection or oophorectomy for pediatric ovarian tumors. Additional long-term monitoring would be beneficial to better assess fertility and dysmenorrhea outcomes.

