Abstract STUDY OBJECTIVE: Hemorrhagic corpus luteum cysts (HCLC) constitute a common disorder in pediatric subjects undergoing surgical intervention. HCLCs especially develop in the early period after menarche, and they are commonly associated with dysfunctional ovulation. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of surgery outcome of HCLC patients. SETTING: Pediatric Surgery Unit, S. Chiara University Hospital. PARTICIPANT: 13 girls with HCLC diagnosis. INTERVENTIONS: Surgical treatment of HCLCs. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We reviewed the clinical presentation and outcome of 13 post-menarcheal girls surgically treated for HCLCs in the Pediatric Surgical Unit from 2002 to 2006. RESULTS: Primary presentation was persistent abdominal pain in 84.6% and acute abdominal pain in 15.4% of patients, respectively. Ultrasound examination showed complex ovarian masses in 77.23% cases and simple ovarian masses in 33.7% cases, respectively. Although laparoscopic excision of HCLC was performed in more than 45% cases, laparotomic approach was commonly required. After conservative surgery, ovarian size and viability were normal, as assessed by 6-month ultrasound scan. No recurrences of disease and regular menses were reported at 2 years follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: In pediatric subjects with HCLC that required surgical intervention, no complications or disorder recurrence were reported. In order to preserve ovarian function, conservative surgery has to be performed whenever feasible. PMID: 19539202 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]