Video laparoscopic management of adnexal masses with or without robotic assistance

Adnexal masses are a common finding among women. They must be appropriately evaluated in order to determine the course of management. The majority of these masses have a benign etiology. However, it is the smaller percentage of malignant masses that are worrisome and must be ruled out. If misdiagnosed and mismanaged, these adnexal masses could result in significant morbidity and mortality to patients. The evaluation of an adnexal mass begins with a thorough history and physical exam. Imaging modalities, such as sonography, can aid in diagnosing and differentiating adnexal masses from other masses. Some laboratory tests can also help to distinguish the malignancy potential. The accumulation of this information can set the course of surveillance, medical management, or surgical intervention. If surgical treatment is pursued, a minimally invasive approach is the preferred method to maximize the benefit and minimize the morbidity to the patient. The surgical management and techniques vary for the different adnexal mass types, which can range from simple ovarian cysts, endometriomas, ovarian remnants, or suspected ovarian malignancies. It is necessary to have a great breadth and depth of the various laparoscopic techniques for surgically treating the various adnexal mass types.