A Study of Giant Ovarian Tumors Presenting with Higher Incidence of Torsion: A Journey of my Experience in Covid-19 Pandemic at Tertiary Care Centre Dr. Rajshree Dayanand Katke Abstract-Objective: The ovarian cases presenting to the gynecologyare not new. However, during the COVID -19 pandemic, a varied presentation was observed and hence demanded a study of such cases. Methodology: A cross-sectional observational case study of 20 gynecology cases with ovarian tumors operated during the COVID-19 pandemic from October 2020 to March 2021 at Grant Government Medical College; Mumbai. # Results and Conclusion: The patients mainly presented with a chief complaint of abdominal distension; dyspepsia, and pain in the abdomen. Other presenting complaints included menstrual irregularities and menorrhagia, and difficulty in micturition. The age group studied comprised from 25 -65 years of age. The patients belonged to upperand uppermiddle socioeconomic class and were mainly from the highincome group. the patients presented from both urban and rural residential areas. The ovarian tumors were giant, with sizes ranging from 30 x 35 centimeters to 20 x 25 centimeters. The tumors underwent torsion for more than five turns in most of the cases with onset of the gangrenous ovary in some cases; these cases were managed with great surgical expertise and precision and timely intervention to minimize the intraoperative and post-operative complications; The histopathological report included epithelial tumors like serous and mucinous cystadenomas and nonepithelialtumors like granulosa cell tumors and fibrosarcoma. The management of such cases was challenging because of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the results of lockdown. In the period of lockdown, the emergency health services were available but still because of fear or some other reasons, the patients have not turned up to the specialist doctors in spite of they were having dull aching pain and enlarged tumor. When they came to us; they were already having the torsion of the huge tumor. # Criteria for Testing i. A woman with respiratory illness with one of the following ii. History of travel to abroad in the last 14 days iii. Is a close contact of a laboratory proven positive patient iv. She is a health care worker herself v. Hospitalized with features of severe acute respiratory illness. ? In the reproductive period, non-inflammatory and inflammatory diseases of the lower genital tract, such as abnormal uterine bleeding and pelvic inflammatory disease, respectively, are common. Agynecologist's decision is fundamental in the definition of elective procedures that may be postponed depending on the general and clinical status of the patient and the availability of access to clinical treatment. # II. # Materials and Methods A cross sectional observational case study of 20 gynaecological cases operated during the COVID-19 pandemic from a period of October 2020 to March 2021 at Grant Government Medical College, Mumbai. # III. # Results and Discussion # a) Distribution of cases as per age The most common age group presentation being between 41-50 years of age group that is almost half of the study group followed by women in the age group of 31 -40 years and those in the age group of > 50 years. # b) Distribution of cases as per presenting symptoms The most common complaint amongst the women who were symptomatic was b pain in abdomen in 30 % of the cases. Around 20 % of the cases were asymptomatic. # c) Distribution of cases as per Duration of presenting symptoms Most of the cases had a history of onset of symptoms for more than 6 months, the cause of it can be attributed to the lockdown and the non availability of elective services. ? The patients mainly presented with a chief complaint of abdominal distension ,dyspepsia and pain in abdomen. Other presenting complaints included menstrual irregularities and menorrhagia and difficulty in micturition. The age group studied comprised from 25 -65 years of age. The patients belonged to upper and upper middle socioeconomic class and the patients presented from both urban and rural residential areas. The ovarian tumors were huge with size ranging from 30 x 35 centimeters to 20 x 25 centimeters. The tumors underwent torsion for more than 5 turns In most of the cases with onset of gangrenous ovary in some cases, however were managed with great surgical expertise and precision and timely intervention so as to minimize the intra -operative and postoperative complications. The histopathological report included epithelial tumors like serous and mucinous cystadenomas and non epithelialtumors like granulosa cell tumors and fibrothecoma were mainly from the high income group. The ovarian cases presenting to the gynecology is not new. However during the COVID-19 pandemic a varied presentation was observed and hence demanded a study of such cases. Some of the selected cases are mentioned as follows- # CASE 1 A Case of 30 years old, married since 14 years Parity 3, Living 3, who presented with acute pain in abdomen. Her Ultrasound Abdomen + Pelvis was suggestive of heterogeneous to isoechoic solid lesion in left adnexa measuring 10.8 x 1.3 x 5.1 cm with ovarian vein engorgement & displacing the uterus inferiorly. cystic areas seen within suggestive of neoplastic lesion On Examination, her general condition was fair, vitals normal, no pallor/edema/icterus, cardiovascular/ respiratory system -within normal limits. On per abdomen examination, a 10x 8 cm hard, firm mass felt, irregular margins, lower border palpated, restricted mobility, generalised tenderness and guarding was present. On per speculum examination, white discharge was seen, uterus not felt separately from mass. Tumor markers weresent: CA125 -7.25, CEA-2.38, rest tumor markers-WNL Contrast Enhanced Computed Tomography done on 11/2/2021 was suggestive of torsion of ovary along with part of fallopian tube. On 13/2/2021, Patient was taken up for Emergency exploratory laparotomy done with ovarian mass excision. Frozen section was suggestive of germ cell tumor. Histopathology was suggestive of mixed germ cell tumor (yolk sac tumor + dysgerminoma). Patient withstood the procedure well. Post operative monitoring done, followed by chemotherapy with Bleomycin + etoposide + Docetaxel. # CASE 2 A case of 37 years old, unmarried, nulligravida with right tubo-ovarian mass, with ventriculoperitoneal shunt, presented to outpatient department with pain abdomen, irregular menses. On Examination, her general condition -fair, vitals normal, no pallor/edema/icterus, cardiovascular/ respiratory system -within normal limits. On per abdomen examination, a mass of 30 weeks felt over abdomen, irregular margins present, firm to hard in consistency, immobile, local rise of temperature noted. A 60 yrsold, married since? years, parity 3, living 3, all normal deliveries, tubal ligation not done, post menopausal since 10-15 years, came with complaints of pain abdomen in right side. On examination: general condition fair, vitally stable, no pallor/ edema/ icterus, cardiovascular/ respiratory system -within normal limits On Per abdomen -soft, minimal tenderness over right iliac fossa noted. On per speculum -cervix was pulled up, atrophied. Per vaginally a cystic mass felt in the right fornix, mobile, non tender,? uterus,? right adnexal mass, cervix pulled up, deviated to the left. Tumor markers-ca 125 -10.2 u / ml, LDH-325 U/L, CEA -1.9, beta hcg -5.4, AFP -13. On 10/3/2021-Patient underwent exploratory laparotomy with total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salphingectomy with bilateral oophorectomy. Pt withstood the procedure well. post operatively patient was well. Histopathological report-sex cord stromal tumor, fibrothecoma. # CASE 4 A 42 years old Parity 3, Living 3 with a huge mass in abdomen and pain in abdomen on and off since 1 year. on per abdomen examination a cystic mass of 10 x 15 cm in hypogastric region extending from umbilicus to lower abdomen, regular margins, mobility+, non tender. On per speculum examination, cervix was taken up. On per vaginum examination, a 22 weeks mass felt, cystic in consistency with mass covering the right iliac fossa, extending upto umbilicus, right fornix obliterated. On 1/2/2021-Ultrasound (A+P) suggestive of 17 x 21 22 cms complex solid cystic lesion with septations, likely arising from ovary, likely malignant etiology. Tumor marker were sent, B hcg 0.1, CA19.9-2.6, CEA 1.1, AFP 1.37, CA 125-1 On 20/3/2021, exploratory laparotomy with retroperitoneal mass excision with Total Abdominal mass excision with B/L salpingo-oophorectomy. Histopathology report suggestive of Spindle cell tumor with differential diagnosis being-1. Low grade Fiboromyxoid Sarcoma, 2. PEComa, 3. Lymphangioeliomyomatosis # CASE 5 A 60 years. Parity 2, Living 2 came with complaint of pain in abdomen. On examination: general condition fair, vitally stable, no pallor/edema/icterus, cardiovascular/respiratory system -within normal limits On per abdomen examination a 24 weeks mass in hypogastrium, right iliac region, extending above umbilicus, regular margin, lower border felt, cystic in consistency, with restricted mobility felt. On per speculum examination, cervix pulled down and backwards. On per vaginum examination, uterus could not be felt separately. The unusual increased incidence of huge abdominal masses to our gynecological department raised a need to study the effects of lockdown. A similar effect of covid 19 pandemic leading to lockdown and inaccessibility of health facilities was studied that lead to a conclusion that although COVID-19 does not directly affect pregnancy outcomes, it has indirect adverse effects on maternal and child health. (2) ? These patients have had complaints like pain in abdomen for more than a year, however due to non availability of certain facilities like limitation of transport facility, cessation of elective surgical procedures, conversion of hospitals to COVID designated centres, led to a decreased accessibility of immediate medical help to these patients. ? As a result of which despite having symptoms they had a delay in the management of their cases. However administrative regulatory activities like lockdown were a need of hour in order to contain the rampant spread of the COVID -19 and reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with it. ? The epithelial and non epithelialtumors showed a greater incidence of torsion of adnexal mass with tumor thereby leading to gangrenous and necrotic changes and an acute abdomen. In the modern era of medicine, such huge mucinous ovarian tumours have become rare in the current medical practice, as most of the cases are detected early during routine gynaecological examinations or on ultrasound. However this was not the case during lockdown. Conservative surgery as ovarian cystectomy and salpingo-oophorectomy is satisfactory for benign lesions.4 Frozen section is very significant to know the malignant variation of this tumour and that helps in the management of the patient. As in the huge tumours, the anatomical planes get distorted, so the surgical expertise is required to prevent the complications (3) Management of ovarian tumors depends on the patients age, the size of the cyst and its histopathological nature for large ovarian masses with a risk of malignancy and hence a staging laparotomy and intraoperative frozen section has their importance. (4) The ovarian tumors both benign as well as malignant can undergo torsion and have been reported in numerous studies. Patient can present with acute abdomen due to torsion. In a case presenting with acute abdomen with lump abdomen, ovarian mass with torsion should be considered as differential diagnosis. (5) The disruption of services has resulted into health being affected in all ways including family planning services. It has been studied that there is a huge unmet need of contraception available. Hence a proper mitigation of family planning is of utmost demand, although restraining of COVID 19 pandemic is also important (6) IV. # Conclusion Although the measures like lockdown have been imposed for the containment of the COVID 19 infection, the increased cases of torsion of adnexal masses was reported in my experience. With proper management protocols and with all universal safety precautions the cases were managed with a great surgical expertise. Non epithelial ovarian cancers mainly granulosa cell tumours have excellent prognosis. Sex cord stromal tumours with an indolent course have good short-term prognosis, but with a greater risk of relapse. ? More and more studies are needed to be devised to study their clinical presentations, course, prognosis and role of different adjuvant therapies. Such studies are required at an international level for increasing the disease free survival rates, reducing relapse rates and to decrease the morbidity and mortality associated with such rare ovarian cancers. ? The management of such cases was challenging because the effects of COVID pandemic and effect of lockdown that restricted the availability and easy accessibility of health services thereby increasing the incidence of torsion of ovarian tumors. ![ON Per rectal examination, firm, irregular mass felt Her ultrasound Abdomen + Pelvis was suggestive of right ovarian mass of 14x 17 x 17 cm, in lower abdomen, and right adnexal region. The lesion shows spongiform pattern with multiple variable sized anechoic cyst interspersed with echogenic stroma, suggestive of right ovarian mass possibly neoplastic and right sided tubo-ovarian torsion. Tumor markers-LDH -1251 U/L, HCG -1.5 MIU / ML, CA 125 -233.3 U/ ML On 23/12/2020-patient underwent exploratory laparotomy with right ovarian mass excision. frozen sections was suggestive of granulosa cell tumor. Post operatively patient recovered well and discharged after suture removal. Histopathology report suggestive of granulosa cell tumor.](image-2.png "") ![Ultrasound (Abdomen +Pelvis) suggestive of large multi loculated cystic pelvic mass, 13 x 15 x 18 cm, arising form pelvis, right adnexal or ovarian origin. Patient underwent exploratory laparotomy with Total Abdominal Hysterectomy with right ovarian mass excision with B/L salpingo-oophorectomy. Histopathology report suggested Haemorrhagic cystright ovarian mass](image-3.png "") ![](image-4.png "") ![](image-5.png "") ![](image-6.png "") ![](image-7.png "") ![](image-8.png "") per protocol. If found suspect/symptomatic, shouldnot be permitted to OT, and should be sent todesignated swab collection facility.8) All OT Personnel should follow COVID sanitisationprotocols on entry to OT with repeatedhandwashing, social distancing and adequateprotective gear.9) Visiting relatives of the patients should also haveCOVID Negative swab report prior to entry toOT/wards.? Re-evaluate admitted patients for signs andsymptoms of COVID-19? Encourage Physical Distancing (maintainingdistance of 6 feet)? There should not be any adjoining inhabitedbuildings within 20 meters?? Essential Elective (>2 to <3 months): Hysteroscopyfor abnormal uterine bleeding (unknowledgecauses, suspected malignancy, and menopausaltransition), postmenopausal bleeding (suspectedmalignancy), cervical conization or looped electroexcision procedure (to exclude neoplasm in thelower genital tract)? Non-essential/elective surgery: Infertility procedures,family planning procedures (bilateral tubal ligationprocedure).The protocol followed at our tertiary careinstitute before operating the cases were as follow-1) All elective patients should be admitted to Transitward initially. Swabs should be sent for all patientsfrom there.2) After swab reports patients should be segregatedinto Covid/Non Covid Category.3) Covid POSITIVE swab patients should betransferred to COVID facility/Centre (St. George'sHospital).4) COVID NEGATIVE Swab patients should betransferred to respective unit wards.5) Repeat swab should be sent for these patients fromtheir respective wards 72 hrs. before proposedsurgery.6) All patients should have at least two consecutivenegative swab reports, of which the latest swabshould be within 72 hours of planned procedure.7) All OT Healthcare workers, patients and visitingrelatives should be screened before entering OT as? Urgent (<24h): Postoperative infections, acute inflammatory abdomen (adnexal torsion, myoma torsion, ovarian cysts), hemorrhagic conditions (ovarian cysts); ? Elective urgent (<2 weeks): Surgeries for neoplasms of the lower genital tract and breast previously diagnosed by pathological examination; © 2021 Global Journals ## Acknowledgements: None ## Conflict of interest-NONE * World Health Organisation * The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on maternal health due to delay in seeking health care: Experience from a tertiary center MGoyal PSingh KSingh SShekhar NAgrawal SMisra International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics 2020 Jan 1 * A huge benign mucinous cystadenoma of ovary: a case report and review of literature RDKatke Int J 3 ReprodContraceptObstetGynecol2014 * A huge ovarian mucinous cystadenoma (8.5kg) leading to bilateral hydronephrosis: a case report and review of literature RDKatke MOJ Clin Med Case Rep 7 1 2017 * Torsion of a Huge Ovarian Fibroma Presented as Acute Abdomen RDKatke Journal of Case Reports 5 1 2015 May 11 * Attitude and Practices of Family Planning in Antenatal Women in a Tertiary Care Hospital during COVID-19 Pandemic: Indian Perspective RDKatke J Gynecol 2021 1 215