Save the Ovaries - Surgical Management of Simple Ovarian Cysts in Children and Adolescents

Launched by UNIVERSITY CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL, ZURICH · Feb 25, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The "Save the Ovaries" clinical trial is exploring the best surgical methods for treating simple ovarian cysts in girls and young women aged 12 months to 18 years. Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs on the ovaries, and this study will compare two surgical techniques: one that removes the cyst (cyst enucleation) and another that opens the cyst and removes its contents (cyst deroofing). The goal is to determine which method is better for preserving ovarian function and reducing the chances of the cysts coming back.

To participate in this trial, participants must have ovarian cysts that are 4 cm or larger, which are causing symptoms or have shown growth over time. Parents or guardians must provide consent for younger patients, and the study will not include those older than 18 years or with more complicated cysts. While the trial is not yet recruiting participants, it aims to help doctors make more informed choices about treating ovarian cysts in young girls and adolescents, ultimately improving their health and well-being.

Gender

FEMALE

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Symptomatic simple cysts ≥ 4 cm with indication for surgical intervention
• • Asymptomatic cysts ≥ 4 cm, with surgical indication due to persistence or increase in size
• • Asymptomatic cysts ≥ 4 cm with other pathology as surgical indication, if known preoperatively
• • Age 12 months - 18 years
• • Parents/legal custodian and patient give consent, for patients unable to consent due to their health condition or developmental status they show no signs of unwillingness to participate
• • Symptomatic simple cysts ≥ 4 cm with indication for surgical intervention on both ovaries (each ovary will count as one)
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Neonatal ovarian cysts (age \<12 months)
• • Age \>18 years
• • Complex cysts (with solid components, e.g., Teratoma, risk or suspicion of malignancy)
• • Paratubar/paraovarian cysts
• • Medical reason that precludes cyst enucleation (e.g. severe coagulopathy)
• • Neither signed informed consent form or inadequate german, french or english language skills to give informed consent