Laparoscopic ovarian transposition before pelvic irradiation: a Saudi tertiary center experience

To report the authors' experience with laparoscopic ovarian transposition and ovarian function preservation in women who require pelvic irradiation as part of their cancer therapy.

Cohort study.

The gynecologic oncology service in a referral tertiary/quaternary medical center in Saudi Arabia.

Twenty-three premenopausal patients treated with radiotherapy for a pelvic malignancy.

Laparoscopic ovarian transposition to paracolic gutters with uterine conservation.

Preservation of ovarian function assessed by patients' symptoms and serum follicle-stimulating hormone level.

Bilateral laparoscopic ovarian transposition was performed in 23 patients: 15 with cervical cancer, 4 with rectal cancer, 3 with Ewing sarcoma, and 1 with Hodgkin lymphoma. No immediate intraoperative or postoperative complications were observed. Three patients were lost to follow-up. Ovarian preservation was achieved in 13 (65%) of 20 patients. Seven patients with low follicle-stimulating hormone levels had regular uterine bleeding at follow-up.

Laparoscopic ovarian transposition is a safe and effective procedure for preserving ovarian function. This procedure should be considered in all premenopausal women who need to undergo pelvic irradiation as part of their cancer treatment.