Ovarian remnant syndrome: diagnostic dilemma and surgical challenge

The ovarian remnant syndrome, an unusual complication of bilateral oophorectomy, usually presents with pelvic pain with or without a mass. From 1980-1985, 31 patients were seen with this diagnosis, which was confirmed by excision of ovarian tissue. Various adhesion-producing conditions leading to retention of ovarian tissue, such as endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, or inflammatory bowel disease, were present at the original procedure. The increase in diagnosis of this condition during the past five years may represent a greater awareness of the potential condition, combined with wider use of ultrasonography and computed tomography scanning. Twenty of the 31 patients were found to have a tender palpable mass of thickening. In 11 patients, a mass was found only on ultrasonography. Surgical correction required dissection and mobilization of the ureter throughout its entire pelvic course to facilitate resection of the specimen. The complications were minor, and symptoms were relieved.