The First Ovarian Tissue Transplant between Monozygotic Twin Sisters Discordant for Ovarian function in Latin America

• Published in: JBRA assisted reproduction Vol. 19; no. 1; p. 29
• Main Authors: Almodin, Carlos G, Almodin, Paula M, Radaelli, Moacir R M, Minguetti-Câmara, Vania C, Ceschin, Alvaro P, Ribeiro, Rodrigo C
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Brazil 01.01.2015
• Subjects: Ovary; transplant; fertility
• ISSN: 1518-0557; 1518-0557
• DOI: 10.5935/1518-0557.20150008

Ovarian tissue transplant is an alternative to the cryopreservation of oocytes and embryos for the recovery of fertility and natural hormonal activity. The objective of this paper is to report on the first fresh ovarian tissue transplant between monozygotic twin sisters discordant for ovarian function, using the subcortical implant technique of ovarian tissue fragments, to take place in Latin America. A strip representing approximately a quarter of the cortical tissue was removed from the right ovary of the donor sister, cleaned, cut into small fragments and sent to adjacent room, where the receptor sister was concomitantly being prepared to receive the tissue graft. The ovarian fragments were placed under the cortical tissue onto a vascularized bed of the right ovary of the receptor sister. From 90 days postoperatively, the menstrual cycles of the receptor patient became regular with increased flow and longer periods, demonstrating normal hormonal activity and improved endometrial development. Attempts at spontaneous pregnancy, and the recovery of an oocyte followed by fertilization have not yet been successful. However, the ovarian tissue transplant between monozygotic sisters reported here clearly highlights the potential of the technique as a therapeutic option for the preservation of fertility.