Page 89 - Hospital Authority Convention 2017

Special Sessions

SS3.1 Preserve Fertility 14:30 Theatre 2

Surgical Strategies to Preserve Fertility
Li TC
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong HOSPITAL AUTHORITY CONVENTION 2017
Various operations on the female reproductive tract may adversely affect fertility. Any operations on the reproductive tract
of women of reproductive age group must have a sufficiently strong indication to justify the intervention. Medical or less
invasive options ought to be considered prior to surgical treatment. When surgery is performed, great care must be taken to
preserve tissues and functions. Careful assessment of the functional status of the organ should help to decide whether the
affected organ should be removed or reconstructed. The mechanical or electrical energy used should be kept to a minimum
to avoid unnecessary damage to healthy tissue. Preventive measures should be implemented to avoid any iatrogenic damage
to the fallopian tube, ovary and uterus (especially endometrium) during an operation for women of reproductive age. Difficult
intrauterine surgery should be guided by ultrasonography or directed by hysteroscopy if at all possible.

SS3.2 Preserve Fertility 14:30 Theatre 2 Tuesday, 16 May

Embryo and Oocyte Freezing to Preserve Fertility
Chung J
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong

With the advancement in diagnosis and treatment of cancer, the overall survival rate in young cancer patients has increased.
However, anti-cancer treatment including chemotherapy and radiotherapy are often highly detrimental to the female
endocrine and reproductive function.

The fecundity of these young cancer survivors is the key quality of life issue after their recovery. Despite the existence of
multiple international guidelines for clinical practitioners on the issue of fertility preservation, many physicians still initiate anti-
cancer treatment without detailed consultation on post-treatment fertility.

Fertility preservation refers to the means to preserve the woman’s hormonal function as well as fertility from the damage of
anti-cancer treatment. A variety of fertility preservation strategies are available and the option of fertility preservation should
be individualised for each patient. This presentation aims to discuss the various options of fertility preservation, especially
those involving assisted reproductive technology with embryo and oocyte freezing and an individualised approach will be
shared.

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