Operative laparoscopy for the treatment of ovarian remnant syndrome

Objective: To present the technique and assess the efficacy of operative laparoscopy to manage ovarian remnant syndrome. Design: Observational with a follow-up of 6 to 32 months. Setting: Private subspecialty practice with a large referral base. Patients: Thirteen women, 9 with previous bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and 4 with previous unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and pain on the ipsilateral side. Interventions: Multipuncture advanced operative laparoscopy. Main Outcome Measures: Patient pain relief was assessed through return examinations, telephone interviews, or contact with referring physicians. Results: Nine patients reported complete pain relief. One reported incomplete but satisfactory pain relief. Two required bowel resection by laparotomy to obtain pain relief, and one, despite subsequent laparotomy, had persistent pain. No intraoperative or postoperative complications were noted. Conclusion: Laparoscopy can be effective in managing ovarian remnant syndrome when performed by an experienced laparoscopist.