Revisiting the role of heterotopic ovarian transplantation: futility or fertility

Scepticism hovers over the future of heterotopic transplantation of cryopreserved human ovarian tissue, as its clinical efficacy and practicability for fertility preservation is still debatable. Despite its limitations, the potential advantages and roles of heterotopic transplantation should not be ignored. Indeed, restoration of ovarian function after heterotopic transplantation of cryopreserved ovarian tissue has been consistently demonstrated in humans. There are many unknowns with this technology, such as the optimal heterotopic site, environmental factors and oocyte quality. Hence, it will require further investigations before making a final verdict. Until then, rather than being considered prematurely as a futile technology, heterotopic ovarian transplantation should be viewed positively, with potential roles for restoration of ovarian function and fertility.