Summary.-Reproductive and endocrine function was investigated in 22 women with Hodgkin's disease who had bilateral mid-line oophoropexies performed at staging laparotomy. The operation was followed in 12 cases by " inverted Y " pelvic lymph node irradiation and in 4 cases by para-aortic lymph node irradiation.Pregnancies occurred after the operation in 4 of the 6 patients subsequently found not to require irradiation below the diaphragm. In the other 2 patients in this group the menstrual history was unaffected and normal gonadotrophin concentrations indicated intact ovarian function. In the group receiving para-aortic irradiation, in whom the ovarian irradiation dose was small (about 150 rad to each ovary) menstrual function and gonadotrophin concentrations were normal at the time of review and one patient has subsequently become pregnant. In the group receiving inverted Y irradiation, in whom the ovaries were shielded from the radiation beam by a rectangular lead block, the ovarian dose was much higher (lowest dose 600 rad, highest dose 3500 rad). Nine of the 12 have persisting amenorrhoea with elevated levels of both gonadotrophins. One patient has since become pregnant and one patient has resumed menstrual cycles and has normal basal gonadotrophin concentrations. One patient who has resumed menstrual cycles has a monotrophic elevation of basal serum FSH concentrations.We conclude that bilateral mid-line oophoropexy does not impair ovarian function or gamete transport and should be performed at diagnostic laparotomy in women of child bearing age with Hodgkin's disease, even when it is uncertain whether pelvic node irradiation will be necessary. The results in the patients who received inverted Y irradiation indicate that the technique of pelvic shielding and ovarian transposition used were only partially successful in preserving fertility. Alternative techniques for preserving ovarian function are discussed.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.