Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 22, 2026

05:42
Z-Scores for Assessing Ovarian Reserve in Young Patients Undergoing Fertility Preservation
Published on: October 25, 2024
[Ovarian remnant syndrome]
L Hanousek1, J Filipová, H Lísová
1Gynekologicko-porodnická klinika, Pardubická krajská nemocnice, a.s., Pardubice. hanousek@nem.pce.cz
Ceska Gynekologie
|June 12, 2009
Summary
Ovarian adenocarcinoma can develop in ovarian remnant tissue years after bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. Surgical removal of ovarian remnants is crucial for effective treatment.
Area of Science:
- Gynecologic Oncology
- Reproductive Medicine
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy is a surgical procedure to remove both ovaries and fallopian tubes.
- Ovarian remnant syndrome can occur after this procedure, potentially leading to complications.
- Endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), and multiple pelvic surgeries are risk factors for ovarian remnant syndrome.
Observation:
- A case report details a patient diagnosed with ovarian adenocarcinoma four years post-bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy.
- The patient presented with symptoms necessitating further investigation and treatment.
- The diagnosis was confirmed through histopathological examination.
Findings:
- Ovarian adenocarcinoma can arise from residual ovarian tissue (ovarian remnant) long after surgical removal of the ovaries.
- Ovarian remnant syndrome is a recognized complication associated with prior pelvic surgeries and conditions like endometriosis or PID.
- The case highlights the potential for malignant transformation within an ovarian remnant.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of vigilant follow-up for patients with a history of pelvic surgery, even after apparent complete ovarian removal.
- Early detection and surgical intervention for ovarian remnants are critical to prevent complications, including malignancy.
- Further research into the long-term surveillance of patients undergoing bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy may be warranted.
Related Concept Videos
Oogenesis
In human women, oogenesis produces one mature egg cell or ovum for every precursor cell that enters meiosis. This process differs in two unique ways from the equivalent procedure of spermatogenesis in males. First, meiotic divisions during oogenesis are asymmetric, meaning that a large oocyte (containing most of the cytoplasm) and minor polar body are produced as a result of meiosis I, and again following meiosis II. Since only oocytes will go on to form embryos if fertilized, this unequal...
Disorders of the Female Reproductive System
The female reproductive system can be affected by several disorders, including Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), endometriosis, and various forms of cancer. PMS and PMDD are cyclical conditions that cause physical and emotional distress, with symptoms that include edema, mood swings, and food cravings. PMDD is a more severe form of PMS characterized by increased symptom severity that peaks during the luteal phase and tends to improve or resolve shortly after...
Ovaries
The ovaries are roughly the size of almonds and measure approximately 2 to 3 centimeters in length. These paired structures are situated within the pelvic region and are anchored by the mesovarium—a peritoneal extension that also connects them to the wider structure of the broad ligament. The support system extends to the suspensory ligament, housing blood and lymphatic vessels. In addition, the ovarian ligament tethers the ovaries to the uterus.
On the ovarian surface, a layer of cuboidal...
On the ovarian surface, a layer of cuboidal...
Ovarian Cycle
The menstrual cycle includes a critical component known as the ovarian cycle, which undergoes two main phases each month—the follicular phase and the luteal phase. The follicular phase is variable and averaging around 14 days. Ovulation, triggered by a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH), marks the transition between the two phases. The second phase, the luteal phase, is relatively consistent, lasting approximately 14 days, and is marked by the activity of the corpus luteum. While a cycle length...
Hormonal Control of the Ovarian Cycle
The ovarian cycle is meticulously regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. This cycle orchestrates the release of a mature oocyte, essential for reproduction.
Before puberty, the hypothalamus releases GnRH in a low frequency, low amplitude pulsatile manner. This along with the immature hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis activity, results in low estrogen levels and the absence of a fully functional ovarian cycle. At puberty, GnRH secretion increases in both frequency and...
Before puberty, the hypothalamus releases GnRH in a low frequency, low amplitude pulsatile manner. This along with the immature hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis activity, results in low estrogen levels and the absence of a fully functional ovarian cycle. At puberty, GnRH secretion increases in both frequency and...

