[Ovarian cysts and celioscopy. Apropos 226 cases]

Tumours of the adnexae are frequent. In most cases it is necessary to look at them directly and to treat them surgically. Laparatomy is a heavy technique. For this reason we use the laparoscope to diagnose cystic lesions and to treat benign tumours. This retrospective study on 226 patients has given us the opportunity to assess the value of the laparoscope in these conditions. From the diagnostic point of view laparoscopy is reliable. No malignant tumour failed to be diagnosed (100% reliable), the anatomopathological examination of specimens in benign conditions was never wrong (100% reliable). Laparoscopy therefore is a reliable way of diagnosing the type of ovarian cyst. 180 patients were treated using the laparoscope (79.5%). The patients were followed up for 1 to 5 years. We have not had a recurrence of a cyst treated in this way. Each time a malignant tumour was diagnosed or even suspected the classical surgical approach by laparotomy was always carried out. For a trained surgeon laparoscopy seems to be a reliable method of diagnosing and treating. It possesses the very well-known advantages of minimal operative trauma and far less cost.