Aspiration and tetracycline sclerotherapy for management of simple ovarian cysts.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the procedure of aspiration and tetracycline sclerotherapy in the management of simple ovarian cysts.

METHODS

Twenty-five cases of simple ovarian cysts were subjected to cyst fluid aspiration and 5% tetracycline injection under ultrasound guidance. Cytological examination of the aspirated fluid was carried out in 24 cases and the patients were followed for 6-36 months.

RESULTS

Cytology revealed a cellular sediment in 18 cases (simple cysts), follicular cells in four cases (follicular cysts), and blood and hemosiderin-laden macrophages in two cases (endometriosis); subsequent surgery was required in only one case (endometriosis).

CONCLUSIONS

The procedure of aspiration and tetracycline sclerotherapy was easy, safe and acceptable, with no recurrences. It appears to be a valid alternative to cyst aspiration in the management of simple ovarian cysts.