Fertility-sparing surgery in borderline ovarian tumours

Abstract

Borderline ovarian tumours (BOTs) account for 10-15% of all ovarian tumours. They affect a younger age group than the ovarian carcinoma and have a much better prognosis. Over the last decades, the management of borderline ovarian tumors has changed from radical surgery to more conservative therapy as a result of the need for fertility-sparing surgery and the increasing use of laparoscopy. Fertility-sparing surgery is defined as surgery with complete staging, but where the uterus and at least a part of one ovary are preserved. It presents a good option in young patients with early-stage disease or in selected cases with noninvasive implants, since long-term survival does not seem to be negatively influenced by conservative surgery. This review will outline the most recent information regarding fertility sparing surgery and controversial issues of BOT.