Laparoscopic treatment of borderline ovarian tumours. A systematic review of the literature

Background and purpose: The laparoscopic management of borderline ovarian tumours (BOTs) is controversial. The aim of our study was to review the scientific literature on this approach. Methods: The search strategies used included an online search of the MEDLINE database of relevant publications and reviews from 2003 to 2018 regarding laparoscopic treatment of BOTs. Additional reports were collected by systematically reviewing all the references from the retrieved papers. Results: Recent articles have discussed the type of surgery (laparotomy or laparoscopy), the possibility of fertility-sparing surgery, and the need for restaging procedures and adjuvant therapy. Conclusions: Over recent decades, the management of BOTs has shifted from radical surgery to more conservative therapy due to the need for fertility-sparing surgery and the increasing use of laparoscopy.