Sonographic Imaging of Surgically Transpositioned Ovaries in the Treatment of Rectal Carcinoma

Abstract

Pelvic radiation therapy in patients with advanced rectal carcinoma improves oncological outcomes, but often raises infertility concerns in reproductive-age patients. Laparoscopic ovarian transposition is a surgical method which may offer preservation of ovarian function during and after cancer treatment. Sonographic evaluation of the ovaries post transposition gives insight into their condition and the efficacy of ovarian transposition in the continuation of ovarian function after radiation. This case describes how sonography was used to identify and evaluate surgically transpositioned ovaries in a patient with rectal adenocarcinoma.