[Systematic proposal of fertility preservation by mature oocyte cryopreservation for recurrent benign ovarian tumors]

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate prospectively the pattern of the follicular growth and to characterize the COH outcome in terms of oocyte number and maturity in patients with voluminous recurrent benign ovarian tumors with a high surgical risk of significant reduction of the ovarian follicular content.

Methods: The inclusion criteria were: age between 18 and 36, presence of at least one benign ovarian tumor (≥ 5cm) with high risk of recurrence. The fertility preservation cycle was performed at least 3 months after the cyst surgery. The controlled ovarian stimulation was performed after the ovarian reserve was assessed (AMH measurement and sonographic antral follicle count). Triggering was performed by hCG when at least 3 follicles reached 18mm of diameter. Metaphase II oocytes were cryopreserved by the vitrification technique.

Results: Twenty-four women with dermoid, endometrioma or seromucinous cysts were included from January 2015 to July 2016. All of them had previous ovarian surgery. Mean AMH levels were 15.3pmol/L. The mean number of total oocytes retrieved was 7±5. The mean number of metaphase II oocytes was 4.4±4. The incidence of low ovarian response was 38%. Among the patients, 86% had less than 8 metaphase II oocytes vitrified. Seven patients asked for a second cycle in order to have more oocytes.

Conclusion: We demonstrated the feasibility of the systematic proposal of fertility preservation by oocyte cryopreservation in this group of young patients with recurrent ovarian benign tumors. Taking into account history of previous surgery and high incidence of low ovarian reserve, the ovarian response under stimulation was frequently poor with, as consequence, low retrieved oocyte number per cycle. An oocyte accumulation strategy is then proposed to enhance further pregnancy chances.

Keywords: Accumulation ovocytaire; Benign ovarian cysts; Benign ovarian tumors; Fertility preservation; Kystes ovariens; Oocyte accumulation; Oocyte vitrification; Préservation de la fertilité; Tumeurs ovariennes bénignes; Vitrification ovocytaire.