Effect of Both Preserving Fertility and Preventing Surgical Menopause on Recurrence in Borderline Ovarian Tumors

INTRODUCTION: The impact of fertility-sparing surgery on the recurrence rates of borderline ovarian tumors has been extensively documented in the literature. Moreover, fertility-sparing surgery is associated with favorable pregnancy outcomes for women wishing to conceive. This current dilemma in the literature has led us to investigate our own clinical experience.
METHODS: This study retrospectively analyzed 86 patients who underwent surgical procedures at our clinic from November 2008 to May 2022, with pathology results indicating borderline ovarian tumors.Surgical management of patients is tailored to their age, fertility desire and menopausal status. Radical surgery was also performed on patients who had entered menopause or completed their fertility.
RESULTS: In the present study, 25(%29) out of 86 patients had a desire for fertility and underwent fertility-preserving surgery. Pregnancy was achieved in 13(%52) of these 25 patients. Live birth was achieved in 9(36%) of these 13 patients. Recurrence was observed only in 3(4%) of our patients.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Our study found no statistically significant effect of fertility-sparing surgery on the recurrence of borderline ovarian tumors. Furthermore, the favorable outcomes noted during pregnancy and the mitigation of early surgical menopause represent additional benefits of this treatment approach.Given these favorable outcomes, fertility-sparing surgery may be regarded as the primary treatment option for patients with borderline ovarian tumors.