Fertility-sparing surgery in epithelial ovarian cancer

Abstract

Since the last two decades, the feasibility of fertility-sparing surgery in early-stage epithelial ovarian cancer has been explored by several teams. Despite the impossibility of conducting a randomized trial to validate this management, evidence-based data suggest that in selected cases, the preservation of the uterus and at least one part of the ovary does not lead to a high risk of relapse. Conservative surgery maintains organ function, enables patients of childbearing age to preserve their fertility and improves their quality of life. In this review, we analyze the main series in the literature on this topic in order to highlight the selected criteria for conservative management and to summarize oncological and fertility outcomes.