Approaches to the management of ovarian cysts in pregnancy: A case series

Abstract

Background: The incidence of ovarian cysts in pregnancy is postulated to be approximately 3%. Most of
these cysts are benign, with 6% of them being benign. Most of these masses are diagnosed incidentally
during routine ultrasound. The most common are functional cysts. Most of these cysts do not have
symptoms and are managed conservatively. For persistent symptomatic cysts, medical and surgical
management is a viable option.
Case series: We present cases of three patients, two of whom were managed conservatively. One of the
patients with a corpus luteum cyst was managed surgically and did well, whereas the other two patients
were noted to have asymptomatic dermoid cysts. Pregnancy outcomes for the two who delivered were
unaffected, including their modes of delivery.
Conclusion: Adnexal masses are common during pregnancy. There is a need to evaluate and
characterize these masses even during pregnancy. Management options for adnexal masses are
primarily conservative, but for masses that meet the criteria for surgical management, surgery is safe,
especially in the second trimester. A laparoscopic approach for abdominal surgery in the second trimester
is feasible and relatively safe, as demonstrated in the present case. Modification of entry and surgical
approaches and preoperative planning are important when considering surgery during pregnancy. Relief
of pain symptoms during pregnancy will lead to a positive pregnancy experience.