Ovarian Transposition

Oophoropexy is the surgical procedure repositioning the ovary out of the radiation field. Irradiation of the as pelvic area can result in the loss of ovarian function if the dose of radiation delivered to the ovaries is more than 300 cGy.

Oophoropexy can be done at the time of the laparotomy (open surgery) or by laparoscopy. Although the chance of maintaining ovarian function is higher with oophoropexy before radiotherapy, this procedure is not always reliable and can be complicated by ovarian cyst formation and injury to the vasculature.

Furthermore, its value is limited to young cancer patients who are treated with radiation only.