Laparoscopic ovarian tissue harvesting for cryopreservation: an effective and safe procedure for fertility preservation.
OBJECTIVE
To critically review our experience with the method of laparoscopic ovarian tissue harvesting for ovarian cryopreservation.


METHODS
In a retrospective cohort study 85 patients undergoing surgery for cryopreservation of ovarian tissue were included. One random ovarian cortical slice was histologically examined in order to determine the presence of primordial follicles and to detect possible malignant cells. Selective microbiological culture techniques from swabs were taken from all slices immediately after excision. Intra- and postoperative courses, histological and microbiological findings were evaluated.


RESULTS
Eighty-five patients underwent cryopreservation of ovarian tissue, mostly for malignant diseases (78/85, 91.8%). Sixty patients (70.6%) underwent laparoscopy for ovarian tissue harvesting only, without any additional surgical procedure. The median operating time was 30 min (range 10-75 min). The intraoperative course was uneventful in these patients. In two patients slight postoperative increases in C-reactive protein levels were found. Microbiological examination revealed no contamination apart from one case revealing sporadic Propionibacterium acnes. Histological examination revealed intact ovarian tissue with primordial follicles in 81/85 patients (95.3%).


CONCLUSIONS
Laparoscopy is a safe and effective procedure for ovarian tissue harvesting. We suggest microbiological and histological testing of ovarian tissue as mandatory tools to guarantee safety regarding ovarian tissue transplantation.
Mayerhofer
Klaus
K
Department of Gynecologic Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria. klaus.mayerhofer@meduniwien.ac.at
Ott
Johannes
J
Nouri
Kazem
K
Stoegbauer
Lucija
L
Fischer
Eva-Maria
EM
Lipovac
Markus
M
Promberger
Regina
R
Huber
Johannes C
JC
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000032:analysis; D015331:Cohort Studies; D015925:Cryopreservation; D005260:Female; D016908:Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods; D010053:Ovary / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology; D011184:Postoperative Period; D011425:Propionibacterium acnes / Q000302:isolation & purification; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D020858:Tissue and Organ Harvesting / Q000379:methods*; D055815:Young Adult
D002097:C-Reactive Protein