Intraperitoneal rupture of benign cystic ovarian teratoma

Three patients are presented with the rare complication of intraperitoneal rupture of a benign cystic ovarian teratoma. Spillage of sebaceous material produces a chemical granulomatous peritonitis which may mimic the metastatic spread of ovarian carcinoma. The importance of a frozen-section examination prior to a definite procedure is stressed.