Adnexal Masses in Pregnancy: Surgery Compared With Observation

Investigation and Management of Adnexal Masses in Pregnancy

Adnexal masses can be found in 0.19 to 8.8% of all pregnancies. Most masses are functional and asymptomatic and up to 70% resolve spontaneously in the second trimester. The main predictors of persistence are the size (>5 cm) and the imagiological morphocomplexity. Those that persist carry a low risk of malignancy (0 to 10%). Most malignant masses are diagnosed at early stages and more than 50% are borderline epithelial neoplasms. Ultrasound is the preferred method to stratify the risk of complications and malignancy, allowing medical approach planning. Pregnancy and some gestational disorders may modify the levels of tumor markers, whereby their interpretation during pregnancy should be cautious. Large masses are at increased risk of torsion, rupture, and dystocia. When surgery is indicated, laparoscopy is a safe technique and should ideally be carried out in the second trimester of pregnancy.

Ovarian Mature Cystic Teratoma: Challenges of Surgical Management

Although ovarian mature cystic teratomas are the commonest adnexal masses occurring in premenopausal women, there are many challenges faced by gynecologists on deciding upon the best surgical management. There is uncertainty, lack of consensus, and variation in surgical practices. This paper critically analyzes various surgical approaches and techniques used to treat these cysts in an attempt to outline a unified guidance. MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched in January 2015 with no date limit using the key words “ovarian teratoma” and “ovarian dermoid.” The search was limited to articles in English language, humans, and female. The two authors conducted the search independently. The laparoscopic approach is generally considered to be the gold standard for the management. Oophorectomy should be the standard operation except in younger women with a single small cyst. The risk of chemical peritonitis after contents spillage is extremely rare and can certainly be overcome with thorough peritoneal lavage using warmed fluid. There is a place for surveillance in some selected cases.

Minimally Invasive Management of Ovarian Cysts During Pregnancy Using Ethanol Sclerosis

Traditionally, the management of symptomatic ovarian cysts in pregnancy has been limited to laparoscopy or laparotomy with the associated morbidity. However, in select patients requiring intervention, the risks of surgery may be minimized with sclerotherapy. We present the first case report, to our knowledge, of ethanol sclerosis of an ovarian cyst during pregnancy. A description of the surgical technique to complete such a procedure is provided as well as a brief review of the current literature with respect to the use of sclerotherapy for the management of ovarian cysts.

Comparative analysis of laparoscopy versus laparotomy in the management of ovarian cyst during pregnancy

AIM

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the surgical and obstetric results of laparoscopy versus laparotomy in the management of ovarian cyst during pregnancy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Sixty-nine eligible patients who met our criteria were randomly divided into the laparoscopy group (n = 33) and the laparotomy group (n = 36). The two groups were compared for their surgical and obstetric outcomes and the extent of pelvic adhesion discovered in later cesarean section (CS).

RESULTS

The laparoscopy group had less blood loss (43 ± 15 vs 51 ± 13 mL, P = 0.02), shorter postoperative hospital stay (2.9 ± 0.5 vs 5.8 ± 0.6 days, P < 0.001), and lower postoperative pain score (2.7 ± 1.2 vs 5.9 ± 1.5, P < 0.001) compared with the laparotomy group. The operative time, neonates' Apgar scores and birthweights between the two groups showed no significant differences (P > 0.05). Sixteen patients in the laparoscopy group, and 15 patients in the laparotomy group underwent cesarean section. The filmy and dense type adhesion rate was significantly different between the laparoscopy group and the laparotomy group (6.25% vs 53.3%, and 0% vs 20%, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The present results suggest that laparoscopy is a better choice than laparotomy for ovarian cyst during pregnancy, with less blood loss, less postoperative pain and less postoperative hospital stay. It offers a faster recovery, results in less pelvic adhesion and does not affect the fetus; however, studies encompassing larger numbers of cases are needed.

Treatment options for pregnant women with ovarian tumors

Diagnosis of ovarian mass during pregnancy is a rare event. Treatment of ovarian malignancies during pregnancy depends on histology, grade, stage, and gestational weeks. When possible, surgical excision is indicated, and sometimes, fertility-sparing surgery is recommended. Administration of systemic treatment before or after surgery is indicated as in nonpregnant women. Preliminary data suggest that platinum salts and taxanes are safe during pregnancy. Management of ovarian tumors in pregnancy requires a multidisciplinary approach to guarantee an optimal treatment for the mother and the fetus.

Feto-maternal outcomes of pregnancy complicated by epithelial ovarian cancer: a systematic review of literature

Although cancer diagnosed during pregnancy is rare, epithelial cell type ovarian cancers (EOCs) comprise approximately one quarter to one half of cases of ovarian malignancy diagnosed during pregnancy. The behavior of EOC during pregnancy and its implications for maternal and fetal outcomes is not well understood. In order to better define these outcomes, a systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE using entry keywords "pregnancy" and "ovarian cancer" for the period from 1955 to 2013. The literature search identified 105 cases eligible for analysis. Clinical characteristics, pregnancy outcome, tumor characteristics, clinical management, and survival outcomes were all evaluated. Serious adverse events were defined as complications related to EOC that resulted in severe morbidity or mortality for the mother and/or fetus. The mean age of cases was 31.6 years. The most common histology was serous (47.6%), followed by mucinous (27.6%) and endometrioid types (10.5%). The most common presenting symptom was abdominal or pelvic pain (26.7%) while incidentally detected tumors accounted for one third of cases. The majority of cases were stage I at diagnosis (63.8%) followed by stage III disease (24.8%), and the median tumor size was 12cm. Live births occurred in 81.3% of cases, and of the remainder 72.2% were due to elective termination. Intrapartum surgery primarily took place in the second trimester (43%) with fetal conservation in 61.9% of operations. Over half of cases received chemotherapy (55.2%), approximately one third of which received it during the pregnancy (36.2%). Among the 21 cases treated with chemotherapy during pregnancy, there was no association with small for gestational age or fetal malformations. Serious adverse events occurred in 21.9% of cases, of which the most common was tumor rupture during pregnancy (10.5%). Three (2.9%) maternal death following surgery during pregnancy and five (6.4%) neonatal deaths were reported. Gestational age at tumor diagnosis (2-year overall survival rate, 1st trimester 94.6%, 2nd trimester 88.8%, and 3rd trimester 72.9%, p=0.041) type of histology (serous 88.1%, mucinous 84.6%, endometrioid 89.5%, clear cell 100%, mixed type 75.0%, and undifferentiated 30.0%, p<0.01), stage (stage I 96.9%, stage II 85.7%, stage III 56.3%, and stage IV 25.0%, p<0.01), and serious adverse events (yes versus no, 68.1% versus 92.2%, p=0.041) were significantly related to maternal overall survival in univariate analysis. In multivariate analysis, stage III/IV disease remained the independent prognostic factor associated with decreased maternal overall survival (stage III, hazard ratio 44.6, p<0.01; and stage IV, hazard ratio 399, p<0.01). In conclusion, although the majority of EOC cases during pregnancy resulted in live birth, maternal and neonatal mortality needs to be considered in the counseling and management of these pregnancies.

[Torsion of uterine appendages during pregnancy: report of a case at Yaoundé Central Hospital, Cameroon]

Les kystes ovariens sont dans la majorité des cas asymptomatiques et peuvent être de découverte fortuite lors d'une échographie. Ils ne deviennent symptomatiques que lorsque survient une complication. Nous présentons un cas de torsion d'annexe gauche diagnostiqué à 8 semaines et 4 jours de grossesse. Nous avons réalisé une annexectomie Suivie de l'administration de progestérone retard à la dose 500 mg par jour. L'évolution a été marquée par la survenue d'un avortement au cinquième jour post opératoire. L'analyse anatomopathologique de la masse chirurgicale a conclu à une apoplexie ovarienne. L'ablation chirurgicale du corps jaune au premier trimestre de la grossesse pose le problème du maintien de celle - ci et devrait être présente à l'esprit des praticiens avant toute chirurgie pelvienne pendant cette période.

Imaging for acute pelvic pain in pregnancy

Acute pelvic pain in pregnancy presents diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Standard imaging techniques need to be adapted to reduce harm to the foetus from X-rays because of their teratogenic and carcinogenic potential. Ultrasound remains the primary imaging investigation of the pregnant abdomen. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been shown to be useful in the diagnosis of gynaecological and obstetric problems during pregnancy and in the setting of acute abdomen during pregnancy. MRI overcomes some of the limitations of ultrasound, mainly the size of the gravid uterus. MRI poses theoretical risks to the foetus and care must be taken to minimise these with the avoidance of contrast agents. Teaching Points • Ultrasound and MRI are the preferred investigations for acute pelvic pain during pregnancy. • Ultrasound remains the primary imaging investigation because of availability and portability. • MRI helps differentiate causes of acute pelvic pain when ultrasound is inconclusive.

Diagnosis and management of adnexal masses in pregnancy

Widespread use of ultrasound in early pregnancy has led to the detection of incidental adnexal masses more frequently. This article reviews the diagnosis and management options for adnexal masses in pregnancy. The availability of high-resolution ultrasound has made observation to be a viable option in some cases. However, for those masses suspicious of malignancy, at risk of torsion, rupture, or clinically symptomatic, surgical treatment is warranted. Laparoscopy has been successfully used in pregnancy and is safe in experienced and trained hands in properly equipped units.

Robotic-assisted surgery for the treatment of pelvic masses in pregnant patients: a series of four cases and literature review

The purpose of this study was to assess the safety and feasibility of robotic-assisted surgery for the treatment of a pelvic mass in gravid patients. We retrospectively reviewed the charts of all pregnant women who were diagnosed with a pelvic mass by individual obstetric physicians and referred to our gynecologic oncology service from January 2009 until March 2012; four patients were identified and treated with robotic-assisted surgery by the same group of gynecologic oncologists. The following patient data were collected: age, disease origin, histology, tumor size, gravid status at surgery, surgical procedure, intra- and postoperative surgical complications, and both maternal and fetal outcomes. The gynecologic lesions comprised an immature teratoma, a mucinous cystadenoma, a hemorrhagic cyst and an ovarian endometrioma; in each case, blood loss was minimal and no maternal or fetal intra-operative complications were encountered. All patients had normal, spontaneous vaginal deliveries at term. Robotic-assisted surgery for the treatment of pelvic masses in pregnant patients is ostensibly feasible and associated with favorable outcomes for both the patient and fetus.

Cystically degenerated leiomyoma of the rectosigmoid managed laparoscopically at 13 weeks of gestation

The safety of laparoscopic management of adnexal masses in pregnancy has been documented. Herein we report laparoscopic removal during pregnancy of a cystically degenerated leiomyoma of the sigmoid colon, which had been mistaken for an adnexal mass. When smooth muscle gastrointestinal tumors are observed, it is important that they be characterized with appropriate markers so that postoperative treatment can be individualized to the patient.

Transvaginal ovarian cystectomy for adnexal torsion during pregnancy

Ovarian torsion requiring surgical intervention in pregnancy is rare. Herein is reported a case of ovarian torsion that was managed by transvaginal ovarian cystectomy in a 27 week gravid patient.

MR imaging evaluation of abdominal pain during pregnancy: appendicitis and other nonobstetric causes

Clinical diagnosis of the cause of abdominal pain in a pregnant patient is particularly difficult because of multiple confounding factors related to normal pregnancy. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is useful in evaluation of abdominal pain during pregnancy, as it offers the benefit of cross-sectional imaging without ionizing radiation or evidence of harmful effects to the fetus. MR imaging is often performed specifically for diagnosis of possible appendicitis, which is the most common illness necessitating emergency surgery in pregnant patients. However, it is important to look for pathologic processes outside the appendix that may be an alternative source of abdominal pain. Numerous entities other than appendicitis can cause abdominal pain during pregnancy, including processes of gastrointestinal, hepatobiliary, genitourinary, vascular, and gynecologic origin. MR imaging is useful in diagnosing the cause of abdominal pain in a pregnant patient because of its ability to safely demonstrate a wide range of pathologic conditions in the abdomen and pelvis beyond appendicitis.

Management of incidental adnexal masses on caesarean section

BACKGROUND

The reported incidence of adnexal masses during pregnancy vary from 1 in 81 pregnancies to 1 in 8000 pregnancies. There is still a debate on management of incidental adnexal masses during the caesarean section concerning the risk of this additional procedure on postoperative morbidity and mortality. The aim of our study was to investigate the management of incidental adnexal masses which were observed during caesarean section in a tertiary health care centre.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The medical records of the patients who had incidental adnexal masses during caesarean section at Bakirkoy Dr. Sadi Konuk Teaching and Research Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology from January 2006 to September 2011 were evaluated retrospectively. The data was processed with the SPSS 16.0 statistical software.

RESULTS

The number of total live births was 17341 and 6624 of them were done by caesarean section (31%). There were 38 cases of incidental adnexal masses which were discovered at caesarean section. The most common pathologic diagnosis of the masses were paraovarian-paratubal cysts with the rate of 23.7% (n=9). Cystectomy procedure during caesarean section did not alter the morbidity of the patient.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion for detecting adnexal masses during pregnancy follow-up of growth rate of adnexal mass will be a useful reference during the observation period if ideally all pregnant women have a first-trimester ultrasound examination with regular adnexa check-up.

A pelvic mass on ultrasonography and high human chorionic gonadotropin level: not always an ectopic pregnancy

A 24-year-old patient with 7-week amenorrhoea consulted for vaginal bleeding without abdominal pain. Ultrasonography revealed a 7 × 4 cm solid right pelvic mass. There was no visible intrauterine gestational sac. The serum β-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) level was 11 998 IU/l. Emergency laparoscopy was performed for a presumptive diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy. At laparoscopy, the right ovary was enlarged with a non-haemorrhagic 7 × 4 cm solid lesion, which was resected. The histological diagnosis was a dysgerminoma with immunohistochemistry showing nests of syncytiotrophoblastic cells, which were the origin of the hCG production. There was no pregnancy, either intrauterine or ectopic. There was no evidence of metastasis from the dysgerminoma on the positron-emission tomography scanner. The patient underwent a second procedure for surgical staging of this ovarian germ-cell tumour. This ovarian dysgerminoma was staged FIGO 1A, and the patient did not receive adjuvant therapy. There was no recurrence at the last 8-month follow-up.

Gynaecological cancers in pregnancy

Cervical and ovarian cancers are the most common gynaecological cancers diagnosed during pregnancy. In early-stage cervical cancer during the first and at the beginning of the second trimester, the two main considerations for management of the patient are the tumour size (and stage) and nodal staging. MRI and laparoscopic lymphadenectomy are useful for clinicians planning a potentially conservative approach. The management of patients with locally advanced cervical disease is controversial and should be discussed on a case-by-case basis according to the tumour size, radiological findings, the term of pregnancy, and the patient's wishes. Different histological types of malignant ovarian diseases arise during pregnancy and their management depends on the diagnosis (histological subtypes, tumour differentiation, and nodal status), the tumour stage, and the trimester of the pregnancy. In patients with peritoneal spread or high-risk early-stage disease, neoadjuvant chemotherapy with pregnancy preservation could be appropriate.

Evaluation and management of adnexal mass in pregnancy

With widespread use of ultrasound in early pregnancy, incidental adnexal masses are detected frequently. This article reviews the differential diagnosis, appropriate evaluation, and current treatment options for adnexal masses in pregnancy. With the increased sophistication of ultrasound, observation has become a more viable option. However, for those masses suspicious for malignancy, at risk for torsion, or clinically symptomatic, surgical management is warranted. With increasing numbers of successful laparoscopic procedures reported in pregnancy, laparoscopy appears to be a safe option with trained and experienced providers.

Abdominal pain in pregnancy: diagnoses and imaging unique to pregnancy--self-assessment module

The educational objectives for this self-assessment module are for the participant to exercise, self-assess, and improve his or her understanding of the imaging evaluation of abdominal pain during pregnancy.

Ovarian tumors associated with pregnancy: a 20-year experience in a teaching hospital

OBJECTIVE

Pregnancy associated with ovarian tumors was reviewed over a 20-year period to determine the maternal and fetal outcome in patients undergoing surgery during pregnancy.

METHOD

A retrospective study of 94 cases of ovarian tumors treated surgically during pregnancy was investigated for incidence, clinico-pathological features and outcome in a teaching hospital between June 1987 and May 2007.

RESULTS

The overall incidence of ovarian tumor in pregnant women was 1 in 505 (0.2%) deliveries. Diagnosis of 69.2% tumors resulted in the first and second trimesters of pregnancy. Twenty-two (23.4%) patients presented as an emergency at different periods of gestation and 16 (17.1%) tumors were incidentally discovered at cesarean section which underlines the significance of examining the ovaries routinely at cesarean section. Benign teratoma (39.4%) and serous cystadenoma (24.5%) were the most common types of ovarian tumors found in the study. The incidence of malignant tumors was 5.3%. Tumors with low malignant potential comprised 40% of malignancy. The miscarriage rate after surgery was 44.4% in the first trimester compared with 16.6% in the second trimester. The preterm birth rate was 4.3% in the series.

CONCLUSION

The value of clinical and ultrasound examinations in early pregnancy as a diagnostic aid is highlighted. Whenever an ovarian tumor is detected in pregnancy, malignancy should always be suspected. Treatment of an ovarian tumor in pregnancy should be tailored according to the age, parity, clinical presentation, gestational age and histopathology of the tumor. Removal of persisting or enlarging ovarian masses as soon as possible is important to obtain a final histologic diagnosis and rule out malignancy. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of malignant tumors offers the best prognosis for the patient.

Torsion of ovarian cyst during pregnancy: a case report

In this case we report a 23 -year-old primigravida with 30 weeks presenting with torsion of the ovarian cyst. She presented to the antenatal clinic with acute pain abdomen. She was diagnosed to have torsion of ovarian cyst during pregnancy and a cystecomy was carried out. Her histopathology report showed a benign serous cystadenoma. Her pregnancy was followed up. She delivered a healthy female baby at term. Although the safety of antepartum surgical intervention has been accepted, abdominal surgery nevertheless carries some risks to a pregnant woman and unborn fetus, and so the choice of management necessitates a weighing of risks based on characterization of the adnexal mass and gestational age.

[French recommendations for ovarian cancer management during pregnancy]

Evaluation of the fetus using prenatal ultrasound has resulted in increased detection of asymptomatic adnexal masses during pregnancy. Such masses are rarely malignant (1/10 000 to 1/50 000 pregnancies), but the possibility of borderline or cancer must be considered. It is a common assumption by both patients and physicians that if an ovarian cancer is diagnosed during pregnancy, treatment necessitates sacrificing the well-being of the fetus. However, in most cases, it is possible to offer appropriate treatment to the mother without placing the fetus at serious risk. The care of a pregnant woman with cancer involves evaluation of sometimes competing maternal and fetal risks and benefits. These recommendation approaches attempt to balance these risks and benefits; however, they should be considered advisory and should not replace specific interdisciplinary consultation with specialists in maternal-fetal medicine, gynecologic oncology, and pediatrics, as well as imaging and pathology, as needed. Second level ultrasound including Doppler is needed. MRI is not often necessary, and CA 125 is of low contribution. We suggest surgery be performed after 15 SA for ovarian masses which (1) persist into the second trimester, (2) are greater than 5 to 10 cm in diameter, or (3) have solid or mixed solid and cystic ultrasound characteristics. During antepartum surgical staging and debulking, homolateral salpingo-oophorectomy and peritoneal cytology and exploration are necessary. Women found to have advanced stage epithelial ovarian cancer should consider having completion of the debulking of the reproductive organs at the conclusion of the pregnancy. If chemotherapy is indicated, we recommend delaying administration, if possible, after the delivery or at least after 20 SA in order to minimize the potential fetal toxicity.