ABSTRACT
The superiority of laparoscopic management of adnexal masses over laparotomy or even minilaparotomy has been shown in a few randomized trials. Due to the possibility of operating on undiagnosed ovarian cancer, and of spreading the tumor cells during surgery, special precautions should be taken. The initial and important step is to establish the diagnosis preoperatively. During surgery, benign tumors in young women should be treated conservatively, and malignant tumors should be staged immediately.
