Management of ovarian remnant syndrome

Ovarian remnant syndrome is a rare condition which develops when functional ovarian tissue which is left in situ after intended bilateral oophorectomy produces clinically significant symptoms, namely chronic pelvic pain and/or dyspareunia. Women with this syndrome may have a pelvic mass palpable on bimanual examination, or visible on transvaginal ultrasound. However, visualization of an ovarian remnant is sometimes difficult because it is small and multiple previous pelvic operations have usually produced dense adhesions and distorted pelvic anatomy. Identification of these remnants may be facilitated by ovarian stimulation. Surgical removal is the optimal treatment, but hormonal suppression of ovarian activity may provide temporary relief of pain.