Treatment Overview
Deep Tissue Ovarian Cryopreservation is an advanced fertility preservation technique that involves the surgical removal and freezing of ovarian cortical tissue — the part of the ovary that contains thousands of immature eggs (oocytes). This tissue can later be thawed and transplanted back into the patient’s body after recovery from cancer treatment, allowing the restoration of natural hormone function and fertility.
In Korea, this technique is performed using minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery, precision tissue handling, and state-of-the-art vitrification cryotechnology. It is especially valuable for cancer patients who cannot delay treatment long enough for traditional IVF or oocyte retrieval.
The procedure allows preservation of fertility potential and endocrine health without requiring hormonal stimulation, making it ideal for urgent or hormone-sensitive cancer cases.
Purpose & Benefits
The purpose of deep tissue ovarian cryopreservation is to preserve reproductive capacity and hormonal function before chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery that could damage the ovaries.
Key benefits include:
- Preservation without hormone stimulation: No need for ovarian stimulation, which is crucial for hormone-sensitive cancers.
- Immediate implementation: Can be performed within days of diagnosis without delaying cancer therapy.
- Restoration of natural fertility: After cancer treatment, thawed tissue can be reimplanted to restore ovarian function naturally.
- Preservation of hormonal balance: Helps prevent early menopause by reestablishing estrogen and progesterone production.
- Long-term reproductive potential: Thousands of immature oocytes within the tissue remain viable after thawing.
- Suitable for prepubertal girls: Only available fertility preservation method for patients who have not reached puberty.
- Compatibility with future IVF: Once reimplanted, the tissue can also support egg retrieval for assisted reproduction.
Korea’s advancements in cryobiology and reproductive surgery make it one of the leading countries for safe and successful ovarian tissue preservation.
Ideal Candidates
Deep Tissue Ovarian Cryopreservation is recommended for:
- Women or girls diagnosed with cancer who cannot postpone treatment for ovarian stimulation.
- Patients requiring immediate chemotherapy or radiation that poses a high risk of ovarian failure.
- Individuals with hormone-sensitive malignancies (e.g., breast cancer) where hormonal stimulation is contraindicated.
- Prepubertal patients who cannot produce mature eggs.
- Young women with good ovarian reserve who desire biological motherhood after remission.
- Patients undergoing pelvic surgery or bone marrow transplant where ovarian damage is anticipated.
The procedure is particularly suited for those who wish to preserve both fertility and hormonal health in the long term.
Possible Risks & Complications
Deep Tissue Ovarian Cryopreservation is a well-established yet specialized procedure that carries certain risks:
- Surgical complications: Minor bleeding, infection, or discomfort following laparoscopic removal.
- Partial tissue loss: Some tissue may not survive freezing or thawing if handled incorrectly.
- Potential cancer cell reintroduction: In rare cases (e.g., leukemia), microscopic cancer cells could be present in ovarian tissue.
- Variable graft longevity: Reimplanted tissue may maintain function for 3–10 years depending on age and tissue health.
- Emotional stress: Undergoing surgery alongside cancer treatment planning can be overwhelming.
In Korea, fertility preservation teams minimize risks through oncology collaboration, pre-freeze tissue screening, sterile cryogenic handling, and refined reimplantation protocols.
Techniques & Procedures Used
1. Preoperative Assessment
- Hormonal evaluation (AMH, FSH, estradiol) and ultrasound to assess ovarian reserve and structure.
- Oncologic review to confirm safety and timing before treatment begins.
- Patients are counseled regarding the surgical and cryopreservation process.
2. Laparoscopic Ovarian Tissue Retrieval
- Performed under general anesthesia using minimally invasive laparoscopy.
- A small portion (typically one-third to one-half) of the ovarian cortex is removed.
- The outer cortical layer — containing immature follicles — is dissected and prepared for freezing.
3. Tissue Processing and Cryopreservation
- The ovarian cortex is sliced into thin, uniform strips (usually 1 mm thick) to ensure even cryoprotectant penetration.
- Tissue is then treated with cryoprotective agents to prevent ice formation.
- Vitrification (ultra-rapid freezing) or slow freezing is performed using specialized cryogenic equipment.
- The tissue is stored in liquid nitrogen at -196°C in sterile, barcoded containers for long-term preservation.
4. Storage and Monitoring
- Ovarian tissues are kept in dedicated cryostorage tanks with 24-hour temperature and identity monitoring.
- Secure, traceable systems ensure the integrity and safety of the preserved tissue.
5. Reimplantation (Post-Treatment Phase)
- Once cancer treatment is complete and remission is confirmed, thawed ovarian tissue is reimplanted.
- Reimplantation can be orthotopic (back into the pelvis) or heterotopic (in another area like the forearm or abdomen).
- The tissue begins producing hormones and can support follicle development and natural conception.
Recovery & Aftercare
Post-procedure recovery from ovarian tissue cryopreservation is typically smooth:
- Patients are discharged within 24 hours after laparoscopic retrieval.
- Minor abdominal discomfort or bloating may occur temporarily.
- Cancer therapy can begin immediately after recovery.
- Hormonal function and ovarian reserve are monitored after reimplantation.
- Follow-up visits ensure tissue viability, hormone production, and potential ovulatory function.
Korean fertility centers provide continuous hormonal assessments and psychological support throughout the preservation and recovery stages.
Results & Effectiveness
Deep Tissue Ovarian Cryopreservation has shown excellent outcomes when performed in advanced fertility centers.
Typical results include:
- Ovarian function restoration: Achieved in over 90% of reimplantation cases.
- Natural conception: Many patients have conceived naturally after tissue transplantation.
- Longevity of graft: Restored ovarian function typically lasts between 3 and 10 years.
- Hormonal recovery: Normal estrogen and progesterone levels often return within 3–6 months after reimplantation.
- Menstrual resumption: Most patients regain regular cycles post-transplantation.
- Cancer safety: Oncologic clearance ensures the procedure does not compromise remission.
Korean reproductive medicine teams report consistent success due to their combination of precision surgical techniques, high-quality tissue preservation, and advanced reimplantation methods.
Treatment Process in Korea
Step 1 – Oncofertility Consultation
- Immediate joint evaluation between oncology and fertility teams.
- Review of cancer type, treatment urgency, and fertility preservation options.
Step 2 – Laparoscopic Tissue Retrieval
- Conducted under anesthesia using small incisions for minimal recovery time.
- Ovarian tissue samples collected and transferred to a sterile cryolab.
Step 3 – Cryopreservation
- Tissue processed and vitrified using advanced cryoprotectants.
- Stored securely in high-precision cryogenic systems.
Step 4 – Cancer Treatment & Monitoring
- Oncology treatment proceeds without delay.
- Hormone levels may be periodically checked to assess residual ovarian activity.
Step 5 – Reimplantation & Fertility Restoration
- Once the patient is cancer-free, thawed tissue is transplanted to restore natural fertility.
- Reproductive endocrinologists monitor hormonal balance and follicular activity.
Why Korea Is a Leader in Ovarian Tissue Cryopreservation
- World-class surgical precision: Expert laparoscopic retrieval and tissue preparation.
- Cutting-edge vitrification technology: Ensures superior cell survival and long-term viability.
- Integrated oncofertility care: Coordinated management between fertility and cancer specialists.
- Individualized protocols: Tailored for age, cancer type, and ovarian reserve.
- Ethical and safe practices: Cancer cell screening before tissue reimplantation.
- High clinical success rates: Many successful cases of restored fertility and live births.
Korean fertility centers have set international benchmarks for efficiency, innovation, and safety in ovarian tissue preservation.
Cost Range
The cost of deep tissue ovarian cryopreservation in Korea varies depending on procedure complexity, hospital, and storage duration. Approximate cost breakdown:
- Ovarian tissue retrieval surgery: USD 3,000 – 5,000
- Tissue processing and vitrification: USD 2,000 – 3,000
- Annual cryostorage: USD 300 – 800
- Reimplantation procedure (future phase): USD 3,000 – 6,000
- Comprehensive oncofertility preservation package: USD 5,000 – 9,000
These prices are significantly lower than in Western countries while offering advanced technology and internationally recognized outcomes.
Popular Clinics in Korea
- CHA Fertility Center (Seoul, Bundang): Global leader in ovarian tissue preservation and reimplantation.
- Maria Fertility Hospital: Offers specialized fertility programs for oncology patients.
- MizMedi Women’s Hospital: Known for minimally invasive laparoscopic retrieval and cryostorage systems.
- Hamchoon Women’s Clinic: Expert in reproductive endocrinology and ovarian tissue research.
- Seoul Women’s Hospital: Provides integrated oncofertility services for international patients.
