Background: This paper addresses the value of laparoscopic surgery for the removal of gonads in patients with Y-chromosome-bearing gonadal dysgenesis and androgen insensitivity syndrome, who are otherwise faced with a high rate of gonadal malignancy.
Methods: Three patients with Y-chromosome-bearing gonadal dysgenesis and one patient with androgen insensitivity syndrome were operated upon laparoscopically. Removal of gonads was accomplished by their mobilization and dissection from the pelvic side walls, with ligation and transection of the utero-ovarian and infundibulopelvic ligaments.
Results: Surgery was without complications. Histological examination of the gonads showed complete removal and absence of malignancy in each patient. Patients were discharged the day after surgery.
Conclusions: The laparoscopic approach is a safe and effective alternative to laparotomy in the management of patients with Y-chromosome-bearing gonadal dysgenesis and with androgen insensitivity syndrome.