The case for laparoscopic management of the adnexal mass

Careful patient selection criteria can be used to identify patients who are appropriate for management of an adnexal masses via operative laparoscopy. Proper intraoperative assessment and liberal use of rapid frozen section are also important for optimal clinical outcome. Reported studies show that laparoscopic management of adnexal masses can be safely done. The short hospital stay and rapid return to normal activity combine to potentially reduce the overall cost of patient care. When cancer is unexpectedly found at the time of laparoscopic surgery for an adnexal mass, the surgeon should be prepared to proceed with staging laparotomy for appropriate treatment.