ABSTRACT
The idea of fresh orthotopic autologous ovarian transplantation in humans is neither
novel nor sophisticated; a New York surgeon reported on this technique as early as
in 1906. It is the recent possibility of cryostorage of ovarian tissue and the development
of new orthotopic and heterotopic techniques to autotransplant frozen-thawed ovarian
cortical strips that brought a new dimension to the field. With the availability of
more effective cryoprotectants, researchers were able to demonstrate that ovarian
function and fertility could be restored after transplantation of cryopreserved ovarian
tissue in large mammals. Experimental models of ovarian transplantation are discussed
in the article by Shaw and Trounson; our focus will be on the clinical applications
of ovarian transplantation and new developments in heterotopic transplantation. Patient
selection and screening, details of the surgical techniques, and safety measures to
avoid reseeding cancer cells via transplanted tissue will be discussed. Synchronization
between the laboratory and the operating room will be detailed to provide guidance
for clinicians who are contemplating ovarian transplantation with previously frozen
ovarian tissue.
KEYWORD
Cryopreservation - ovarian transplantation - cancer-related infertility
