The burden of paraovarian cysts – a case series and review of the literature

INTRODUCTION: A paraovarian cyst (POC) is a cyst in the broad ligament or mesosalpinx. Paraovarian cysts have an estimated prevalence of 5–20% amongst the adnexal masses. Despite the high prevalence and availability of advanced imaging modalities, an accurate pre-operative diagnosis of POC is still made in less than 50% of patients. CASE REPORTS: Two females with suspected ovarian torsion underwent laparotomy and had POCs. A 42-year-old hysterectomized female underwent surgery for a suspected POC which turned out to be a mesenteric cyst. Two females underwent laparotomy for suspected mesenteric cysts which turned out to be POCs. A nulliparous female with infertility conceived spontaneously after cystectomy of POC. RESULTS: Optimal management of an adnexal mass depends on the knowledge of the origin and the exact nature of the mass. No clear-cut guidelines exist for the management of POCs despite their high prevalence. There is a need for further research on this topic to formulate clear-cut guidelines for their management. CONCLUSIONS: Radiologists and gynaecologists need to keep them in mind as differentials for patients with adnexal masses to ensure a correct pre-operative diagnosis in order to achieve an optimal outcome for these females. Gynaecologists need to be aware of the cases which can be managed conservatively and those that need surgery, along with the extent of the surgery required, taking care to protect the ovary at all costs, particularly in benign cases.