Results of conservative surgery for recurrent borderline ovarian tumors

Objective: To evaluate the menstrual, fertility and recurrent results of conservative surgery for women with recurrent borderline ovarian tumors. Methods: Six patients with recurrent borderline ovarian tumors who had conservative surgery from 2000 to 2006 were identified from the Women's hospital, Zhejiang University database. The six patients (median age, 32 years) underwent fertility-sparing surgery, preserving the uterus and at least part of one ovary. Results: Five patients retained normal menstrual function. Three women had successful pregnancies, with a total of three live births and one abortion. The spontaneous pregnancy rate was 50%. The mean duration of follow-up was 32 months (range, 6-72) one of the six patients with recurrent borderline ovarian tumors developed recurrence once more. However no disease-related deaths occurred. Conclusions: The second conservative surgery for patients with recurrent borderline ovarian tumors should still be considered for women who are young and desire preservation of fertility. The spontaneous pregnancy rate is satisfactory. However, careful follow-up is needed to detect recurrent disease.