Transumbilical management for neonatal ovarian cysts

Background/PurposeSince Tan and Bianchi (Br J Surg. 1986;73:399) reported umbilical incision as an access for pyloromyotomy in infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis, many pediatric surgeons have used this approach for a number of other procedures. Because of the long pedicle with good mobility and the frequent intraabdominal position of the neonatal ovarian cyst, we attempted to manage it via the transumbilical route.MethodsAll patients were treated under intubation general anesthesia. Semicircular infraumbilical incision was made, and the abdomen was entered through a transverse fascial incision. The partially collapsed cyst after aspiration was exteriorized through the incision for cystectomy, partial deroofing, or adnexectomy.ResultsFrom May 2000 to December 2006, 6 female newborns with ovarian cysts were treated via the transumbilical route. There were no complications from surgery. The operation time and duration of hospital stay were short. The cosmetic appearance after the procedure was good.ConclusionsThe initial result suggests that transumbilical management for neonatal ovarian cysts may be a good alternative procedure when laparoscopic equipment is unavailable or experienced technique is lacking.