[Acute abdominal syndrome caused by benign ovarian tumors]

The acute abdomen is a life threatening condition, its proper diagnosis and treatment is a great challenge until today in surgery. The authors aim to present the diagnostic difficulties in four cases of acute abdomen caused by large benign ovarian tumors. Vast majority of benign ovarian tumors are recognized accidentally through physical examination, X-ray and ultrasonography of the pelvis, abdominal operation is carried out for other reasons or investigations for acute abdominal pain. The case history, physical examination and radiological procedures do not always lead to the correct diagnosis. The authors diagnosed the disease through laparotomy, and an adequate operation was carried out subsequently. Following the operation, all four patients left the hospital in good condition.