Ovarian cryopreservation with transposition of a contralateral ovary: a combined approach for fertility preservation in women receiving pelvic radiation

Fertil Steril. 2007 Jan;87(1):189.e5-7. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2006.04.051. Epub 2006 Nov 2.

Abstract

Objective: To describe a technique of fertility preservation by ovarian transposition combined with ovarian cryopreservation in the setting of oncologic pelvic radiation for a reproductive age woman.

Design: Case report.

Setting: IVF center at a tertiary care hospital.

Patient(s): Thirty-year-old nulligravid women who previously underwent lumbar spinal cord tumor debulking requested fertility preservation before pelvic radiation.

Intervention(s): Laparoscopic ovarian transposition with cryopreservation of the contralateral ovary.

Main outcome measure(s): New technique in fertility preservation.

Result(s): Laparoscopic surgery was used to evaluate, select, and remove a single ovary that then underwent cryopreservation. Transposition of the remaining ovary was subsequently successfully performed, placing it of out of the pelvis.

Conclusion(s): The combination of ovarian cryopreservation and ovarian transposition may maximize future fertility options for women facing pelvic irradiation. This combined approach should be included among the options offered to reproductive age women before pelvic radiation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Cryopreservation / methods*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Laparoscopy / methods*
  • Ovariectomy / methods*
  • Ovary / cytology*
  • Ovary / transplantation*
  • Pelvic Neoplasms / radiotherapy*
  • Radiation Protection / methods