Minimally invasive drainage of a giant ovarian mucinous cystadenoma associated with a mature cystic teratoma

A 26-year-old, otherwise healthy female presented to the Emergency Room for the evaluation of abdominal pain. It was immediately apparent that she had a massively distended abdomen. History revealed progressive abdominal distension over several years. Evaluation for pregnancy was negative and a computed tomography (CT) scan demonstrated a 38 × 32 × 23 cm septated cystic mass. Careful controlled partial needle decompression of the cyst, removing 18.5 l of fluid, was followed by a mini-laparotomy with complete removal of a multi-loculated cystic ovarian mass approximately 45 lb in weight. Pathology was consistent with mucinous cystadenoma of the ovary in association with a mature cystic teratoma. This surgical technique of percutaneous drainage of the cyst, followed by mini-laparotomy is a valuable example of a safe and effective minimally invasive treatment modality for giant ovarian mucinous cystadenomas.