Hanh had a small ovarian tumor that was being monitored. Upon arrival at Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, for emergency care, she reported severe abdominal pain. An ultrasound revealed ovarian torsion, which caused obstruction of the arteries supplying blood and the veins draining blood. This resulted in blood stagnation and ovarian swelling. Dr. Nguyen Do Trong, from the pediatric surgery department, explained that the complete قطع of oxygen and nutrient supply gradually killed ovarian cells, leading to tissue necrosis. Without timely intervention, this condition can lead to complications such as infection, ovarian abscess, intestinal adhesions, and pelvic inflammatory disease.

The surgical team performed laparoscopic surgery to untwist the ovary, returning it to its normal position to restore blood flow to the affected organ. Following this, doctors removed the teratoma, preserving as much ovarian tissue as possible. This approach aims to prevent infection and minimize impact on the child's future reproductive function.

Dr. Trong (far right) performs laparoscopic surgery on a pediatric patient. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Ovarian teratomas in children are germ cell tumors of the ovary. They can contain various types of tissues, including hair, teeth, bone, cartilage, fat, thyroid, or nerve tissue. The condition is typically detected after puberty. Most ovarian teratomas are mature and benign.

Ovarian torsion with a teratoma occurs when the ovary and fallopian tube twist around the suspensory ligament, obstructing the blood supply to the ovary. This is an acute complication of the condition, requiring urgent medical intervention.

Symptoms of the condition vary depending on the tumor's size, location, and complications. Common symptoms include dull abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, menstrual irregularities in pubertal girls, frequent urination, or difficulty with bowel movements. Some children may not exhibit symptoms, with the condition discovered incidentally during a health check-up or abdominal ultrasound. Immediate medical attention is necessary if a child experiences sudden, severe abdominal pain, as this could indicate ovarian torsion.

Currently, surgery is the primary treatment method to remove the tumor and preserve the remaining ovarian tissue, ensuring future fertility. For immature teratomas or those suspected of malignancy, patients may require removal of both the ovary and fallopian tube, along with a biopsy of nearby lymph nodes, to assess the extent of spread.

Dinh Lam