February 4, 2022

Standardizing the surgical management of benign ovarian tumors in children and adolescents: A best practice Delphi consensus statement

CHORAL Team

CHORAL Director, MRG Lead - Transforming Outcomes Through Data Linkage

CONCLUSION: This best practice Delphi consensus statement emphasizes the importance of managing children with BOTs through a well-defined oncological MDT strategy, in order to optimize risk stratification and allow fertility preservation by ovarian-sparing surgery wherever possible. 

Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2022 Apr;69(4):e29589. doi: 10.1002/pbc.29589. Epub 2022 Feb 4.

ABSTRACT

AIM: No widely agreed consensus protocols exist for the management of benign ovarian tumors (BOT) in children. This presents a substantial risk for suboptimal management. We aimed to generate multispecialty consensus guidance to standardize surgical management and provide a clear follow-up protocol for children with BOTs.

METHODS: Prospective two-round confidential e-Delphi consensus survey distributed among multispecialty expert panel; concluded by two semistructured videoconferences.

MAIN RESULTS: Consensus was generated on these core outcome sets: preoperative/intraoperative management; follow-up; adolescent gynecology referral. (1) Children with BOTs should receive the same management as other patients with potentially neoplastic lesions: Preoperative discussion at a pediatric oncology multidisciplinary meeting to risk stratify tumors, and management by health professionals with expertise in ovarian-sparing surgery and laparoscopy. (2) Ovarian-sparing surgery for BOTs should be performed wherever possible to maximize fertility preservation. (3) Ovarian masses detected during emergency laparoscopy/laparotomy should be left in situ wherever feasible and investigated appropriately (imaging/tumor markers) before resection. (4) Follow-up should be undertaken for all patients after BOT resection. Patients should be offered referral to adolescent gynecology to discuss fertility implications.

CONCLUSION: This best practice Delphi consensus statement emphasizes the importance of managing children with BOTs through a well-defined oncological MDT strategy, in order to optimize risk stratification and allow fertility preservation by ovarian-sparing surgery wherever possible.

PMID:35118808 | DOI:10.1002/pbc.29589

 

 

Share via: