ASPIRATION AND TETRACYCLINE SCLEROTHERAPY FOR MANAGEMENT OF SIMPLE OVARIAN CYSTS

Objective: To evaluate the procedure of aspiration and tetracycline sclerotherapy in the management of simple ovarian cysts. Methods: Twenty-five cases of simple ovarian cysts were subjected to cyst fluid aspiration and 5% tetracycline injection under ultrasound guidance. Cytological examination of the aspirated fluid was carried out in 24 cases and the patients were followed far 6-36 months. Results: Cytology revealed acellular sediment in 18 cases (simple cysts), follicular cells in four cases (follicular cysts), and blood and hemosiderin-laden macrophages in two cases (endometriosis); subsequent surgery was required in only one case (endometriosis). Conclusions: The procedure of aspiration and tetracycline sclerotherapy was easy, safe and acceptable, with no recurrences. It appears to be a valid alternative to cyst aspiration in the management of simple ovarian cysts.