Ovarian cysts during pregnancy: the role of ultrasonically guided transvaginal aspiration.

Three cases of ovarian cysts, with a mean diameter measuring more than 6 cm during the second trimester of pregnancy, were aspirated transvaginally, guided by ultrasound All cysts were unilocular, thin-walled with no internal echoes. Cytological examination of the aspirated fluid revealed benign luteinized granulosa cells. No complications occurred and the pregnancies continued to full term. It is believed that needle aspiration of simple ovarian cysts of 6 cm diameter or more during pregnancy is a safe and effective treatment that is capable of reducing the risk of torsion, hemorrhage or rupture and avoiding unnecessary laparotomy.