Laparoscopic oöphorectomy for trapped ovary syndrome with occlusion of the infundibulopelvic ligament prior to division by the use of the Filshie clip

This study is a review of 14 cases where laparoscopic oöphorectomy was performed for women suffering from trapped ovary syndrome, in which the Filshie clip (Femcare, Nottingham, UK) was used to occlude the infundibulopelvic ligament prior to its division. All case records where this technique had been utilized were reviewed for the period commencing September 1991 until March 1994, involving 14 women, of median age 34 years and median parity 2. The main outcome measure was resolution of chronic pelvic pain at follow up. Of the women, 10 had previously undergone hysterectomy, and two others had previously required adhesiolyses. Symptoms had been present for 6–60 months (median 12). The mean theatre time was 103.3 min ± 29.8 (SEM); 11 had a unilateral and three a bilateral oöphorectomy. The mean of the maximum diameter of specimen removed was 3.9 cm (range 2.5–6). The mean postoperative stay was 2.1 days (range 1–5). There were no serious complications. At follow up, all women reported improvement in their symptoms, with 11 reporting complete resolution of their pelvic pain. There was a good outcome in all 14 patients who had this minimal access surgical technique for trapped ovary syndrome. The Filshie clip is well suited to the purpose of infundibulopelvic ligament occlusion, being simple and easy to use. Most units possess Filshie clip applicators and trocars, and with a simple laparoscopic grasper and scissor would be equipped to perform this technique.