Objective: To determine the ovulatory response of a cystectomized ovary sonographically in the first three cycles post-op in terms of the number and diameter of pre-ovulatory follicles, development of 18 mm follicle, development of corpus luteum, and their correlation to the type of operation, use of cautery, type of ovarian pathology, and use of ovulatory drugs. Design: Prospective study Methods: Thirty (30) patients who underwent ovarian cystectomy either by laparoscopy of laparotomy from February to May 1998 were included in the study. These patients had follicular monitoring for three cycles post-op at days 14, 16 and 18. The number of pre-ovulatory follicles (/- 12 mm), the diameter (mm) of the largest follicle, onset of development of 18 mm follicle, and onset of development of corpus luteum were noted. The onset of development of 18 mm follicle was correlated to the type of operation (laparoscopy versus laparotomy), use of cautery, type of ovarian pathology (endometrial versus dermoid), and use of ovulatory drugs post-op. Statistical analysis used was student t-test. Results: The mean number of pre-ovulatory follicles (/- 12 mm) during the first three cycles was 1-2 follicles. The mean diameter of the largest follicle during the first cycle post-op was 12-16 mm and increased to 14-18 mm during the second and third cycles. The earliest 18 mm follicle was observed on day 14 of the first cycle but 75.1 percent of patients had an 18 mm follicle by day 18 of the first cycle. The type of operation, use of cautery, type of ovarian pathology, and use of ovulatory drugs post-op did not significantly alter the onset of development of an 18 mm folicle. The earliest corpus luteum was noted on day 18 of the first cycle. Conclusion: There is an adequate ovulatory response after ovarian cystectomy in the first three cycles post-op.
CYSTECTOMY