Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To assess the laparoscopic management of large benign ovarian cysts as opposed to laparotomy. METHODS: One hundred and thirty two women with ovarian cysts larger than 18 weeks pregnancy were managed laparoscopically. Five of these were borderline tumors. The cysts were aspirated laparoscopically and removed from the abdomen either by direct extraction, cutting into strips, electric morcellation or extraction through the posterior vaginal fornix. RESULTS: All the women were successfully treated and there were no complications. There were five borderline tumors and no frank malignancy. Follow up for 4 years revealed no malignancy. CONCLUSIONS: It is recommended that this is a satisfactory method of managing large benign cysts in carefully selected cases. However the exclusion of malignancy is mandatory.