Does tumor size limit application of laparoscopic surgery to ovarian tumors?

Abstract Objective We have found laparoscopic surgery to be both feasible and safe for large ovarian tumors, which at one time would have been managed strictly by conventional laparotomy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential risks and the outcomes of laparoscopic surgery for ovarian tumors on the basis of tumor size. Materials and methods From among 1248 cases of adnexal tumor treated at our institution between June 2005 and June 2014, we identified 1196 cases of preoperatively diagnosed benign ovarian tumor treated by laparoscopic surgery. We divided the cases into three groups according to the diameter of the tumor: ≤ 5cm (Group A, n = 355), 6–9 cm (Group B, n = 688), and ≥10 cm (Group C, n = 153) and investigated the incidences of perioperative complications and the rates at which laparotomy was converted to open surgery. Results Median operation time was 59 minutes, 7 minutes, and 73 minutes ( p