Preservation of ovarian tissue in adnexal torsion with fluorescein.

Abstract

Our purpose was to assess the ability of fluorescein to intraoperatively detect viable fallopian and ovarian tissues involved in adnexal torsion. This prospective study was performed at Los Angeles County+University of Southern California Women's Hospital. Participants were female patients 18 to 45 years old with adnexal torsion confirmed at exploratory celiotomy. Five milliliters of 10% fluorescein were injected intravenously, and the involved untwisted adnexa was observed under ultraviolet light. Nonfluorescent tissue was resected and histologically evaluated. Eleven patients were entered into the study. Mean age was 25 years (range 15 to 42). Eight patients (72%) had preservation of involved ovarian tissue. No complications were associated with this procedure. Only three patients (28%) underwent oophorectomy. The use of intravenous fluorescein appears to be a valuable adjunct in the management of adnexal torsion. Application of this technique in reproductive-aged patients resulted in a three-quarter reduction in oophorectomy procedures.