Retrieval of immature oocytes followed by in vitro maturation and vitrification: a case report on a new strategy of fertility preservation in women with borderline ovarian malignancy

BACKGROUND: We report a novel fertility preservation strategy in a woman with borderline ovarian tumors involving retrieval of immature oocytes, in vitro maturation (IVM) and subsequent cryopreservation. CASE: A 43-year-old woman underwent laparotomy for cystic ovarian masses on day 18 of her menstrual cycle. A diagnosis of bilateral borderline ovarian tumors was made following histological frozen section analysis. Left salpingo-oophorectomy, right ovarian cystectomy, omentectomy and lymph node sampling were performed. All visible follicles on the surface of the removed ovary were aspirated. Four immature oocytes were retrieved and underwent IVM. Three oocytes matured after 48 h and were cryopreserved. CONCLUSION: Immature oocytes can be successfully isolated from the oophorectomy specimen regardless of the day of menstrual cycle, matured in vitro and cryopreserved, providing a possible strategy for fertility preservation in this group of women.