The preservation of ovarian function in young women undergoing pelvic radiation therapy

Because cervical carcinoma rarely metastasizes to the ovaries, it became logical to preserve ovarian function by the method of lateral ovarian transposition as part of the management of young women with this disease. This technique prevents castration should subsequent radiation therapy be planned or become necessary. Forty patients with carcinoma of the cervix or vagina underwent unilateral or bilateral ovarian transposition. Eighteen patients received radiation therapy. Of these, 16 had gonadotropin measurements and only 6 (37%) had levels elevated to the postmenopausal range. If patients whose ovaries were not shielded or who received paraaortic radiotherapy are excluded, then only two (17%) had elevated gonadotropin values. It is concluded that, if properly performed, lateral ovarian transposition and ovarian shielding will protect ovarian function in patients receiving pelvic radiotherapy.