This protocol applies to female infants and neonates with a follicular cyst of the ovary when the standard first-line approach — serial ultrasound observation after birth — has not resulted in the expected spontaneous regression of the cyst.
Female infant or neonate (post-birth) with a diagnosed ovarian cyst. Spontaneous regression is the typical course, usually occurring within the first 6 months to 1 year of life. This protocol addresses the subset of cases where regression has not occurred.
Initial management consists of serial ultrasound monitoring (typically every 4–6 weeks) with the goal of confirming spontaneous regression. This protocol is triggered when that goal is not met — the cyst has instead persisted or enlarged — and a structured next step is required.
When a cyst fails to regress and continues to grow or persist, the protocol defines specific criteria for when a minimally invasive intervention may be appropriate. Preservation of ovarian tissue is a key principle throughout. The full criteria, thresholds, and decision algorithm are in the complete protocol.
DOI: 10.3390/healthcare13070775