Laparoscopic management of a large ovarian cyst in the neonate

Laparotomy has become the preferred approach to the excision of large, complex abdominal cysts in the neonate. We describe a laparoscopic-assisted decapsulation of an antenatally diagnosed abdominal;cyst that was noted on postnatal ultrasound scan to have a,complex echo pat tern. This limited procedure allows for accurate verification of the diagnosis, institution of appropriate therapy, and organ salvage. It represents a superior management option that obviates the significant complications associated with conservative management.