Surgical treatment of ovarian dermoid cysts: a comparison between laparoscopic and vaginal removal

BACKGROUND: In the last years transvaginal ultrasonographic diagnosis of ovarian dermoid cyst together with laparoscopic approach have greatly improved the treatment of this benign lesion. Vaginal approach with laparoscopic assistance has been proposed as an alternative to total laparoscopic removal. METHODS: A retrospective comparison between total laparoscopic (56 patients) and direct vaginal removal (30 patients) of ovarian dermoids. RESULTS: There were few, but significant, advantages of vaginal removal, especially regarding operating time, intraperitoneal spillage of dermoid tissue and post-operative outcome. CONCLUSION: Vaginal approach to the removal of dermoid cysts can be considered a safe alternative procedure to laparoscopy.