Ovarian Tissue Cryopreservation for Benign Gynecologic Disease: A Case of Ovarian Torsion and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC) is an emerging method for fertility preservation. Although OTC has been previously proposed for benign indications, to our knowledge this is the first report highlighting the use of OTC for the indication of ovarian torsion. A 36-year-old nulligravid woman with a history of recurrent ovarian torsion presented with an acute episode of ovarian torsion confirmed by ultrasound. She requested a laparoscopic oophorectomy because her previous oophoropexy had failed, and in light of this was counseled to undergo concurrent OTC. On laparoscopy, 10 strips of ovarian cortex were obtained. A portion of this tissue was sent for pathological analysis, which revealed a primordial follicle density of 167 follicles/mm(3), a primary follicle density of 38 follicles/mm(3), and minimal ischemic damage. Although the clinical application of OTC continues to evolve and requires further investigation, the possibility of expanding the indications for benign gynecologic conditions is promising.

Keywords: Fertility preservation; Ovarian tissue cryopreservation; Ovarian torsion.