WOFAPS 2025 8th World Congress of Pediatric Surgery

Esther Saguil, Ronnellee Paclibar

Philippine General Hospital

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Ovarian pathology in children and adolescents is rare and can present with non-specific symptoms. This study aimed to describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes of female patients aged 18 years and below with ovarian tumors who were admitted in the Division of Pediatric Surgery of a a hospital in an LMIC during a five year period .

METHODS

The clinical records of forty-one pediatric patients admitted during the study period were retrieved from the Surgery department's patient registry. Patients who were admitted at the Gynecology department were excluded for this study.

RESULTS

Results showed that the most common ovarian masses in the pediatric population are benign (73%) and the most common histologic subtype is germ cell tumor (58%). Twenty five percent were malignant. Almost half present as abdominal pain (44%) and are diagnosed between 10 to 18 years old (51%). The most common surgical procedure done was unilateral oophorectomy via the open approach. Only four cases were managed laparoscopically during the latter period of the study. No perioperative morbidities or mortalities were noted. Malignancies were managed according to COG protocols , in contrast to those managed by the Gynecology service,where FIGO protocols are favored.

CONCLUSIONS

Pediatric ovarian tumors are currently still managed primarily with open oophorectomy . Efforts should be made to preserve ovarian tissue , preferably via laparoscopic approach . Preservation of future fertility in malignant ovarian cases should be offered , despite poor awareness low acceptance due to economic constraints. . Focused long term surveillance for future recurrences, fertility outcomes, and overall survival for malignancies should be endeavored to ensure better care for these patients .