Impact of Ovarian Cyst Size on Pregnancy Course and Neonatal Outcomes: Does Size Really Matter?
Abstract
Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of benign ovarian cyst size on maternal and neonatal outcomes by comparing pregnancies complicated by cysts of different diameters.
Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, 266 pregnant women diagnosed with benign ovarian cysts were categorized into three groups according to cyst diameter: <5 cm, 5–10 cm, and >10 cm. Maternal characteristics, pregnancy complications, delivery outcomes, and neonatal parameters were analyzed. Composite adverse perinatal outcomes (CAPO) included prematurity, low Apgar scores, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission, and neonatal morbidities.
Results: Most small cysts (<5 cm) regressed spontaneously, while larger cysts showed significantly higher rates of complications. Cysts >10 cm were associated with increased risks of preterm delivery (23.1%), composite adverse perinatal outcomes (26.9%), and higher incidences of torsion, rupture, and surgical intervention (P<0.05 for all). No significant differences were found among groups regarding Apgar scores, NICU admission, or neonatal morbidities.
Conclusions: While benign ovarian cysts generally do not impair pregnancy outcomes, cyst size is a key determinant of risk. Cysts >10 cm carry a markedly higher likelihood of maternal complications and adverse perinatal outcomes, supporting closer surveillance and individualized, size-based management strategies.
Keywords
Ethical Statement
References
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Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Journal Section
Research Article
Authors
Ruken Dayanan
0000-0002-8192-8841
Türkiye
Merve Ayas Ozkan
0000-0002-2437-9719
Türkiye
Rıfat Taner Aksoy
0000-0003-3931-4835
Türkiye
Ali Turhan Çağlar
0000-0002-7022-3029
Türkiye
Early Pub Date
January 6, 2026
Publication Date
March 1, 2026
Submission Date
November 25, 2025
Acceptance Date
January 4, 2026
Published in Issue
Year 2026 Volume: 12 Number: 3