The Long-Term Effects of Oophoropexy Following Recurrent Ovarian Torsion: A Case-Control Study

To evaluate the long-term impact of oophoropexy on pelvic pain symptoms and fertility outcomes in women with recurrent ovarian torsion.

Retrospective case-control study.

Thirty women who underwent oophoropexy for recurrent ovarian torsion were matched in a 1:2 ratio with 60 women who experienced a single episode of ovarian torsion treated with detorsion alone.

Tertiary university-affiliated medical center.

Demographic, clinical, surgical, and follow-up data were obtained from medical records and structured telephone interviews. Long-term outcomes included dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, and non-menstrual pelvic pain assessed using a numeric rating scale. Reproductive outcomes were also evaluated. Conditional logistic regression was performed to account for the matched case-control design.

Median follow-up was 48 months (IQR 16-60). Women who underwent oophoropexy had significantly higher rates of worsening dysmenorrhea (46% vs. 10%), dyspareunia (23.3% vs. 1.7%), and non-menstrual pelvic pain (36.7% vs. 11.7%) compared with controls (all p < 0.01). In adjusted conditional logistic regression accounting for the matched design, oophoropexy remained independently associated with worsening dysmenorrhea [aOR 4.11, 95% CI 1.15-14.66, p=0.030]. Fertility outcomes were comparable between groups.

The retrospective design and limited sample size may affect the generalizability of the findings, and long-term symptoms were assessed using patient-reported measures.

Oophoropexy following recurrent ovarian torsion may be associated with long-term pelvic pain symptoms without compromising fertility. These potential risks should be discussed with patients during preoperative counselling.