Ovarian preservation in gynecologic oncology: current indications and techniques

Early menopause represents a relevant clinical issue for women. Nevertheless, this issue should be balanced with the risks of ovarian metastasis, ovarian recurrence, and the risk of recurrence in hormone-sensitive gynecological cancers. The purpose of this review was to provide an overview on current indications and techniques of ovarian preservation in patients with gynecological cancers.

The potential discussion about ovarian conservation could be proposed to patients with FIGO-stage IA grade 1-2 endometrioid endometrial cancer aged 40 years or less, FIGO-stage IB1-IB2 node-negative cervical cancer with squamous cell carcinoma and HPV-associated adenocarcinoma, FIGO-stage IA-IC grade 1-2 serous, endometrioid, mucinous expansile pattern ovarian cancer, any stage germ cell ovarian tumors, and FIGO-stage IA sex cord-stromal tumors. Technique to perform ovarian transposition in cervix cancer is also reported.

Ovarian conservation is a surgical approach that involves preserving one or both ovaries during the treatment of gynecologic cancers. This approach has gained popularity in recent years, as it offers several benefits to the patient, including the preservation of hormonal function and fertility. The decision to perform ovarian conservation depends on several factors, such as the stage and type of cancer, the patient's age, fertility desire, and should be carefully discussed with patients.