Use of SAND balloon catheter for laparoscopic management of extremely large ovarian cysts.

The objective of the study was to assess the feasibility and outcome of laparoscopic surgery for management of extremely large ovarian cysts using the SAND balloon catheter. From January 2006 to December 2009, 25 patients with large cystic adnexal tumors underwent laparoscopic-assisted surgery using the SAND balloon catheter. Median (range) patient age was 43 (20-68) years, body mass index was 25 (19-32), mass size was 26 cm (15-60 cm), duration of the surgical procedure was 60 (30-300) minutes), and blood loss was 30 (10-100) mL. There were no major surgical complications. Intra-abdominal leakage of cyst fluid was observed in only 1 case (4%). With proper patient selection, the SAND balloon catheter can be extremely useful in laparoscopic removal of very large adnexal masses, without intraperitoneal spillage.