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Laparoscopic approach to management of amputated ovary mimicking a retrovesical tumor in an infant: literature review

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Abstract

Introduction

Ovarian torsion in infants is a rare presentation especially in the absence of large cysts. The majority of ovarian cysts in neonates are detected antenatally. Only cysts > 4 cm in size or with a complex morphology require surgical intervention. Most present with a free-floating ovary. It is a rare occurrence for the ovary to reimplant and present as a mass.

Case discussion

A 4-month-old female infant was incidentally detected to have a soft tissue mass in the pelvis. As the right ovary was not clearly defined, the mass was thought to arise from there. On evaluation all tumor markers were found to be negative. Hence the child underwent a laparoscopic examination of the abdomen. A necrotic and calcified ovarian mass was found in the pouch of Douglas adherent to the posterior surface of the uterus. This was carefully dissected.

Discussion

Ovarian autoamputation occurs due to torsion of the ovary and subsequent devascularization mostly in the fetal stage. The amputated ovary may either resorb, calcify, or become a cystic lesion, and could present as a free-floating mass or reimplant on any structure in the abdomen. It is a safe option to explore laparoscopically when the tumor markers are negative.

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Data sharing is not applicable to this article as no datasets were generated or analyzed during the current study.

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The authors have not declared a specific grant for this research from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatric Surgery, Chelsea Children’s Hospital, Chelsea and Westminster NHS Fdn Trust, Imperial College London, 369 Fulham Road, London, SW10 9NH, UK

    Roma Varik & Amulya K. Saxena

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  1. Roma Varik
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  2. Amulya K. Saxena
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Correspondence to Roma Varik.

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Varik, R., Saxena, A.K. Laparoscopic approach to management of amputated ovary mimicking a retrovesical tumor in an infant: literature review. J Ped Endosc Surg 4, 127–131 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42804-022-00147-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s42804-022-00147-8

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