[Ultrasound-guided transvaginal puncture of ovarian cysts]

Ultrasound-guided transvaginal aspiration of ovarian cysts offers a simple outpatient strategy for immediate pain relief and effective treatment but bears the risk of an iatrogenic spread of malignant cells. This study evaluated the cellular composition of the cyst fluids in a group of 26 sterility patients, in all of whom one or more ovarian cysts had been diagnosed and punctured. None of the patients had complications or evidence of malignant cells on cytological examination after the puncture. Only in one case dyskariotic cells were diagnosed causing an operative exploration that revealed a benign tumour. In 9 patients the ovarian cysts recurred and therefore 2 patients finally underwent an exploratory operation. In our opinion transvaginal ultrasound aspiration of functional cysts is an easy and safe procedure and may be undertaken in sterility patients in the context of specific criteria.