Aspiration of ovarian cysts: laparoscopy or echography?

The authors present their experience from 1970 to the present on the laparoscopic aspiration of ovarian cysts and compare it with the more recent echographic aspiration technique. Since the risks of the aspiration of neoplastic masses cannot yet be evaluated, a strict selection of patients was carried out in order to perform the diagnostic and therapeutic aspiration of presumably benign masses. In addition, endometrial cysts were not included in the follow-up since these will be the object of a future communication, nor were dermoid cysts, removed during surgery itself. Out of 45 cases of laparoscopic aspiration with a follow-up ranging from 6 months to 4 years, 5 recurrences were observed, while the 15 cases of echographic aspiration (follow-up from 6 to 18 months) had 8 recurrences. We therefore believe that the latter, less invasive method, should be employed for diagnostic purposes only, while the laparoscopic method, which is more invasive and more traumatic, should be used when it is desirable to obtain also a therapeutic result.