A Study on Adenexal Masses Diagnosed During Surgery in Pregnancy

Abstract

Introduction: With improved antenatal care in south India, increase in number of hospital visits by the pregnant women is in turn increasing the detection rate of benign conditions like ovarian cysts during ultrasound. When the benign ovarian cysts are detected, there are various methods of managing and follow up is necessary. Materials and Methods: We evaluated adnexal masses discovered during the cesarean sections, based on inpatient and operative records, birth and pathology registries. Cases with adnexal masses benefited usually of surgical treatment during the cesarean section, cystectomies, ovarectomies and rarely adnexectomies being preformed. Results: In the study period of three and half years, 40 women with adenexal masses were recognized during abdominal procedures, done in pregnancy. 22 women had cysts size measuring more than 4 cm, and 1 woman had bilateral clear cyst. Though various studies have shown dermoid to be the most common pathology, we found clear cysts in 11 women. Conclusion: Surgical management of adnexal masses during caesarean section can and should be performed at this time avoiding later surgery for this incidental pathology.