Incidental adnexal masses during caesarean section: a case series

Abstract

Adnexal masses originate in the ovaries, fallopian tubes or surrounding tissue. Adnexal masses can be found in women of any age and pregnancy is no exception. Reasons for adnexal masses going undiagnosed in antenatal period are asymptomatic and small (≤5 cm) mass size; the pregnant patients refused a pelvic examination and a transvaginal USG examination for the fear of abortion during early pregnancy. In 3rd trimester ultrasound, a gravid uterus may obscure the correct visualization and detection of an adnexal mass or it is often missed when we keep our focus on the baby and placenta. As there is also increase in caesarean section rate, the incidence has also increased. Here we presented a case series of 4 different cases, we had described variety of adnexal masses which were diagnosed accidentally during caesarean section and also about their management. Case 1-dermoid cyst, case 2-para ovarian cyst, case 3-complex cyst, case 4-includes 3 cases of simple cyst. Adnexal masses arising in pregnancy are functional, asymptomatic and resolve spontaneously. The risk of malignancy in persistent adnexal masses is low and ultrasonography is the preferred method to assess this risk. If the pathology is incidental finding in caesarean section, it is to be removed in the same setting to avoid surgery later.