Laparoscopic Removal of Ovarian Cysts During Pregnancy

Twelve women underwent laparoscopic removal of benign ovarian cysts during pregnancy. Gestational age at the time of surgery ranged from 12 to 20 weeks (mean 15 wks). Cyst size ranged from 6 to 9 cm (mean 7.1 cm). In all 12 patients a cystectomy was performed. Estimated blood loss ranged from 30 to 90 ml, operating time from 20 to 70 minutes (mean 48 min), and hospital stay from 1 to 3 days. No intraoperative complications occurred. All the women delivered at term without incident and none required a cesarean section. Laparoscopic cystectomy proved to be a safe operation during first and second trimesters of pregnancy.