Operative laparoscopy for the treatment of ovarian remnant syndrome.

OBJECTIVE

To present the technique and assess the efficacy of operative laparoscopy to manage ovarian remnant syndrome.

DESIGN

Observational with a follow-up of 6 to 32 months.

SETTING

Private subspecialty practice with a large referral base.

PATIENTS

Thirteen women, 9 with previous bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and 4 with previous unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and pain on the ipsilateral side.

INTERVENTIONS

Multipuncture advanced operative laparoscopy.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Patient pain relief was assessed through return examinations, telephone interviews, or contact with referring physicians.

RESULTS

Nine patients reported complete pain relief. One reported incomplete but satisfactory pain relief. Two required bowel resection by laparotomy to obtain pain relief, and one, despite subsequent laparotomy, had persistent pain. No intraoperative or postoperative complications were noted.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopy can be effective in managing ovarian remnant syndrome when performed by an experienced laparoscopist.