Article Text
Abstract
Introduction/Background*Laparoscopic Ovarian Transposition (OT) has already been proven to be a safe and effective procedure to preserve ovarian function in patients receiving pelvic radiotherapy for a variety of gynaecological malignancies. Different techniques have been described.
Aim This video demonstrates our PS technique for OT in a 32-year-old patient with stage 1B3 poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix who subsequently underwent radical chemoradiation.
Methodology/Technique Laparoscopy was performed as usual, using a 10mm umbilical optic port and four 5mm ports placed in both iliac fossae and high in both flanks. Thorough inspection of the peritoneal cavity revealed no evidence of disseminated disease. Approximately 100mls of free blood was seen in the pelvis. Both ovaries were slightly enlarged and the right ovary had a ruptured haemorrhagic cyst. She had previously developed OHSS after ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval. The uterus was bulky and retroverted. Both tubes were normal. All the upper abdominal organs looked normal and there was no evidence of disease on the ovaries or peritoneal surfaces therefore we decided to proceed to bilateral ovarian transposition.
Result(s)*Bilateral retrograde salpingectomy was performed using a Harmonic scalpel and specimens were sent for histology. Both pelvic side walls were opened and both ureters were identified. Both utero-ovarian ligaments were transected along with 2cm of round ligament on both sides and ovarian flaps were created. The ovarian flaps were mobilised and the infundibulopelvic ligaments were skeletonised. The para-colic gutters were incised approximately 10cm above the pelvic brim and were tunnelled. Both ovarian flaps were pulled through and stapled outside the irradiation fields to prevent them from falling back into the pelvis following the procedure. Titanium staples were used for easy identification of ovaries on imaging. At the end of the procedure both ovarian pedicles were tension-free with good mobility and no risk of necrosis or torsion. There were no intraoperative complications and the patient experienced a good recovery.
Conclusion*We consider that the ovarian flap allows the ovaries to have a degree of natural movement, while at the same time preventing torsion and minimising ovarian damage associated with the use of transfixed stitches.