Ovarian endometrioma: postoperative adhesions following bipolar coagulation and suture

Fertil Steril. 2008 Apr;89(4):796-9. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2006.11.201. Epub 2007 Oct 22.

Abstract

Objective: To compare bipolar coagulation and suturing of the ovary in terms of postoperative ovarian adhesions after laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy for endometriosis.

Design: Prospective, randomized, controlled study.

Setting: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Naples "Federico II."

Patient(s): Thirty-two women with a single endometriotic cyst were randomly divided into two groups of 16 women each (groups A and B).

Intervention(s): All patients underwent laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy for endometriosis. In group A, hemostasis was performed by closure of the ovary with an intraovarian suture. In group B, complete hemostasis was achieved only with bipolar coagulation on the internal face of the ovary.

Main outcome measure(s): Rate and extension of postsurgical ovarian adhesions at 60-90 days follow-up.

Result(s): At follow-up, a significantly lower rate of postsurgical ovarian adhesions was observed in group A than in group B (30.8% vs. 57.1%). The extension of ovarian adhesions was significantly higher in group B than in group A.

Conclusion(s): The use of sutures on ovaries treated for endometrioma is associated with a lower rate of postoperative ovarian adhesion formation compared with bipolar coagulation.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Endometriosis / pathology
  • Endometriosis / surgery*
  • Female
  • Gynecologic Surgical Procedures* / adverse effects
  • Hemostasis, Surgical / methods*
  • Humans
  • Laparoscopy* / adverse effects
  • Light Coagulation*
  • Ovarian Cysts / pathology
  • Ovarian Cysts / surgery*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Suture Techniques*
  • Time Factors
  • Tissue Adhesions / etiology
  • Tissue Adhesions / prevention & control
  • Treatment Outcome