Ovarian cysts in postmenopausal women: preliminary results with transvaginal alcohol sclerosis. Work in progress.

Seven patients with a recurrent ovarian cyst after transvaginal needle aspiration underwent alcohol sclerosis of the cyst. The cysts had the appearance of simple cysts at ultrasound (US). Sclerosis, an outpatient procedure, was performed with a transvaginal approach under continuous endovaginal US guidance. After aspiration of the cyst contents, approximately two-thirds of the aspirated fluid was replaced with 100% alcohol that was left in place for 20 minutes and then aspirated. No complication was observed. Four cysts had not recurred at follow-up examinations performed 2, 5, 7, and 12 months, respectively, after sclerosis. One patient underwent surgery because mucinous material was found on analysis of the specimen, which was proved to be a benign cystadenoma. The two other cysts recurred, and one patient underwent surgery. Alcohol sclerosis of ovarian cysts may have a role in the treatment of postmenopausal women with ovarian cysts with a low risk of malignancy.