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Ovarian transposition is surgery to move one or both ovaries away from a planned pelvic radiation field. It is also called oophoropexy. The aim is to reduce radiation exposure to the ovaries and improve the chance that they will continue producing hormones and eggs.
read more about ovarian transposition ...The procedure may be offered before pelvic radiation to a person who wants to preserve ovarian function. The cancer type, treatment plan, age, and likelihood of ovarian involvement affect whether it is appropriate. A discussion with the oncology and fertility teams can address other preservation options.
The surgeon frees and repositions one or both ovaries higher in the abdomen or to the side, outside the planned radiation area. They are secured in the new position while their blood supply is preserved. The operation may be performed laparoscopically or during another planned abdominal surgery.
Recovery depends on the surgical approach and whether another operation was performed at the same time. The radiation team uses the new ovarian position when planning treatment. Follow-up may assess menstrual patterns, hormone levels, or fertility goals after cancer treatment.
Surgical risks include bleeding, infection, pain, and injury to nearby structures. An ovarian cyst or twisting of a repositioned ovary can occur. Ovarian function and future pregnancy are not guaranteed, since radiation scatter, chemotherapy, or damage to the uterus may still affect fertility.
No. The surgeon moves the ovaries to another position while preserving their blood supply. Removal of an ovary is a different operation.
No. The ovaries can still be affected by cancer treatment, and pelvic radiation can damage the uterus. Fertility specialists can explain options based on the planned treatment.
It is performed before pelvic radiation begins. It may be scheduled as a separate operation or combined with another planned surgery.
No. Moving the ovaries reduces their exposure to the pelvic radiation field. Chemotherapy can reach the ovaries through the bloodstream and may still affect their function.
About Your Ovarian Transposition Surgery. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/patient-education/ovarian-transposition. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.
Definition of ovarian transposition. National Cancer Institute. https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/ovarian-transposition. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.
Female Fertility and Cancer - Side Effects. National Cancer Institute. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/side-effects/fertility-women. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.
Preserving Your Fertility When You Have Cancer (Women). American Cancer Society. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/side-effects/fertility/preserving-fertility-in-women.html. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.
Techniques and endocrine-reproductive outcomes of ovarian transposition prior to pelvic radiotherapy in both gynecologic and non-gynecologic cancers: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37941483/. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.