Laparoscopic lateral ovarian transposition

Objective: To determine if the new technique laparoscopic lateral transposition of the ovaries before pelvic radiotherapy for anal canal carcinoma prevents radiation-related ovarian failure. Design: A case report. Setting: The operating room of a Canadian teaching hospital. Patients: A single patient with anal canal carcinoma, requiring pelvic radiotherapy, who desired preservation of ovarian function. Interventions: Laparoscopic ovarian transposition to the level of the pelvic brim. Main Outcome Measures: Follow-up clinical and laboratory evidence of ovarian failure. Results: Initially ovarian failure was confirmed with the appearance of postmenopausal symptoms and the elevation of serum gonadotropins. These symptoms resolved by 8 months after radiotherapy, normal menstrual cycles resumed, and normal FSH levels were detected at that time. Conclusions: The laparoscopic, lateral transposition of this patient's ovaries was effective at preventing radiation-related ovarian failure.