Dr. Lam Thien Kim, from the Pediatric Surgery Department at Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, reported that the patient's right ovary was abnormally enlarged, measuring about 9 cm, containing a cyst, and surrounded by swollen tissue. Ultrasound images revealed the ovary was twisted with fluid accumulation, obstructing blood flow and posing a high risk of necrosis. Following a consultation, doctors decided to perform emergency laparoscopic surgery.

Dr. Kim (left) and the surgical team operating on Hien. *Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital*.

Upon inserting the laparoscope into the abdominal cavity, doctors observed that the right ovarian cyst, measuring approximately 6x8 cm, was twisted three times counter-clockwise and appeared dark purple due to a lack of blood supply. Delayed intervention could have resulted in ovarian necrosis and subsequent removal. The surgical team successfully removed the entire right ovarian cyst, preserving Hien's future fertility. After four days of treatment, the patient's condition stabilized, her incision was dry, and the scar was minimal. She was then discharged.

According to Dr. Kim, ovarian torsion is a surgical emergency that can affect individuals of any age. Patients typically experience sudden abdominal pain, accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Due to symptoms easily mistaken for digestive disorders or appendicitis, many cases are admitted late.

The cause of ovarian torsion is often related to the presence of cysts or tumors that increase the size and weight of the ovary. In Hien's situation, a large ovarian cyst was identified as the reason for the torsion.

Dr. Kim explained that open surgery was previously the common approach for ovarian torsion cases. However, laparoscopic surgery is now preferred due to its many advantages, including being minimally invasive, requiring smaller incisions, reducing post-operative pain, and promoting faster patient recovery. Parents should promptly take their child to a hospital with a pediatric specialty for timely treatment if the child experiences acute, severe, or prolonged abdominal pain.

Minh Tam

*Patient's name has been changed