Save the Ovaries - Surgical Management of Simple Ovarian Cysts in Children and Adolescents

Save the Ovaries - Surgical Management of Simple Ovarian Cysts in Children and Adolescents

The purpose of this study is to evaluate which operative technique should be used for managing simple ovarian cysts in girls and adolescents. The two techniques that are being compared are laparoscopic cyst enucleation and laparoscopic cyst deroofing. The investigators will assess the effect of both techniques on the ovarian reserve and the risk of cyst recurrence.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Symptomatic simple cysts ≥ 4 cm with indication for surgical intervention
• Asymptomatic cysts ≥ 4 cm, with surgical indication due to persistence or increase in size
• Asymptomatic cysts ≥ 4 cm with other pathology as surgical indication, if known preoperatively
• Age 12 months - 18 years
• Parents/legal custodian and patient give consent, for patients unable to consent due to their health condition or developmental status they show no signs of unwillingness to participate
• Symptomatic simple cysts ≥ 4 cm with indication for surgical intervention on both ovaries (each ovary will count as one)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Neonatal ovarian cysts (age <12 months)
• Age >18 years
• Complex cysts (with solid components, e.g., Teratoma, risk or suspicion of malignancy)
• Paratubar/paraovarian cysts
• Medical reason that precludes cyst enucleation (e.g. severe coagulopathy)
• Neither signed informed consent form or inadequate german, french or english language skills to give informed consent