Ovarian torsion is an infrequent, but important, cause of acute abdomino-pelvic pain in women. It can occur due to following reasons:
-
Developmental abnormalities
-
Pregnancy
-
Benign and malignant ovarian tumour
-
Assisted conception
-
Previous pelvic surgery
Symptoms of Ovarian Torsion or Tumours
-
Sudden onset of severe, unilateral, lower abdominal pain that worsens intermittently
-
Nausea and vomiting
-
Fever
-
Increased heart rate
-
Hypotension
Diagnosis of Ovarian Torsion or Tumours
Ovarian torsion is primarily a clinical diagnosis based on a thorough history and meticulous examination. Following examinations may help the physician:
-
Doppler ultrasound
-
Gynaecologic ultrasonography
Laparoscopic surgery for Ovarian Torsion or Tumours
The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia. The surgeon makes about 3-4 small incisions in the abdomen. One of the incisions is used to insert a port (nozzle) that fills the carbon dioxide gas into the abdomen to inflate it. Now laparoscope is inserted through another incision. A laparoscope is a telescope lookalike with a light and camera on the end. It allows the surgeon to clearly view inside of the abdomen on the monitor outside. Other surgical instruments are inserted through rest of the incisions to uncoil the torsed ovary and possibly oophoropexy is also performed to fixate the ovary which is likely to twist again. After completing the procedure, the carbon dioxide gas is released out, and incisions are closed with sutures or staples, or covered with glue-like bandage.
Advantages of Laparoscopic surgery for Ovarian Torsion or Tumours
-
Faster recovery
-
Only few hours or overnight hospitalization
-
Sooner return to work
-
Very less pain during and after the procedure
-
Smaller incisions without any cut on abdominal muscles
-
Negligible risks and complications
-
Less chances of wound infection
-
High success rate with more than ninety-percent of symptom free patients after ten years of the procedure
