Laparoscopic removal of gonads in women with abnormal karyotypes

The objective of this study was to evaluate if laparoscopy can be an acceptable alternative to laparotomy for gonadectomy in women with gonadal dysgenesis (46,XY karyotype or 45,X karyotype with evidence of hyperandrogenism). We retrospectively analyzed five cases of gonadal dysgenesis that were managed by laparoscopic gonadectomy. All five patients underwent laparoscopic gonadectomy performed at a day surgery unit of a university medical center without any complications and were discharged the same day. The average operative time was 72 minutes (range, 35-95), the average blood loss was 20 mL, and the average cost was $4,380. We conclude that laparoscopic gonadectomy is a safe, effective and economical procedure to perform on patients with Y chromosomes or evidence of abnormal gonads. Laparoscopy should be accepted as the treatment of choice in these patients by physicians experienced in pelviscopic surgery.