Conservative laparoscopic oophorectomy for borderline ovarian malignancy: A case report and review of the literature

We present the case of a 28-year-old nulligravida woman with a history of male factor infertility. A borderline ovarian tumor in the right ovary was accidentally discovered during the course of management of ectopic pregnancy as an outcome of in vitro fertilization (IVF). Considering the borderline tumor size, an attempt was made to preserve the left ovary and preserve fertility by using a laparoscopic oophorectomy procedure. The patient subsequently became pregnant by IVF trial. During the pregnancy, a left-sided cyst was noted in the left ovary at 14 week pregnancy and remains in stable tumor size on continuous ultrasounds with no symptoms till spontaneous vaginal delivery. Considering her desire to conceive again, several attempts of in vitro fertilization were performed, and after cryopreserved embryos, the laparoscopic left oophorectomy was performed 18 months after the delivery. The patient subsequently became pregnant again from the source of cryopreserved embryos. Our results show that meticulously planned, minimally invasive surgery – if combined with careful and regular follow-up – is an excellent option in the management of borderline ovarian tumors in women who desire to become pregnant.