Normal pregnancy outcome after emergency ovarian cystectomy for ovarian cyst torsion in the first half of pregnancy: A case report

Abstract

Background: Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs on the ovary, with a global incidence of 16.7% and higher prevalence in women of reproductive age. Complications include torsion, hemorrhage, rupture, or infection. Torsion is the most common and serious complication often presenting in the first trimester of pregnancy.

Case Presentation: A 24-year-old primigravida presented with severe lower abdominal pain at 10 weeks gestation. She was diagnosed with a torsioned ovarian cyst coexisting with an intrauterine pregnancy. Emergency laparotomy with ovarian cystectomy was performed, and she had a normal pregnancy outcome.

Discussion: The majority of ovarian cysts in pregnancy are functional and rarely malignant. Diagnosis can be incidental through prenatal ultrasound. Ovarian torsion commonly presents with abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Ultrasound is the preferred diagnostic tool, with magnetic resonance imaging reserved for inconclusive cases or for precise characterization of larger masses. Surgical care with cystectomy and detorsion is the most common treatment option.

Conclusion: Torsion of an ovarian cyst in pregnancy poses challenges due to the need to balance the safety of both mother and child. Surgery is the recommended treatment modality for ovarian cyst torsion presenting with acute abdomen.

Disclaimer: This article was originally published by WisdomGale Publishing, 14 Rue de Grand-Bigard, 1082 Brussels, Belgium, and was migrated to International Medical Publishing Group(IMPG), India, after the change of Publisher.