Surgical treatment of follicle and luteal cysts by laparoscopic fenestration is an accepted procedure. After cyst aspiration, a "window" is cut in its wall. Thus, a tissue sample can be obtained for cytological and histopathological examination. Laparoscopic fenestration was performed in 104 patients. During a mean follow-up period of 20 months (N = 91)a recurrence rate of 8% was observed by vaginal examination and abdominal sonography. In the presence of pelvic adhesions, functional cysts tend to recur. Luteal cysts have a higher recurrence rate than follicle cysts.