Treatment Overview
Ovarian Tissue Cryopreservation (OTC) is an advanced fertility preservation technique that involves surgically removing and freezing ovarian cortical tissue containing thousands of immature eggs. The tissue can later be thawed and transplanted back to restore hormonal and reproductive function.
In Korea, OTC is a highly refined procedure used when conventional egg or embryo freezing is not feasible—especially for patients requiring immediate chemotherapy or radiation. Korean fertility specialists utilize precision laparoscopic surgery, micro-dissection, and ultra-rapid vitrification to ensure maximum follicular survival and tissue viability.
This method provides a powerful opportunity for cancer patients to retain their natural fertility and hormone function long after completing treatment.
Purpose & Benefits
The goal of ovarian tissue cryopreservation is to preserve reproductive potential and endocrine function before cancer therapy causes irreversible ovarian damage.
Key benefits include:
- No hormonal stimulation required: Ideal for patients who must start cancer treatment immediately.
- Applicable to all ages: Suitable even for prepubertal girls who cannot produce mature eggs.
- Restores natural fertility: After reimplantation, tissue can resume natural ovulation.
- Hormonal balance restoration: Prevents premature menopause by re-establishing estrogen and progesterone production.
- Long-term preservation: Tissue remains viable for decades when cryopreserved correctly.
- High clinical success: Studies show that ovarian function can recover in over 90% of cases following transplantation.
- Complements other methods: Can be combined with egg or embryo freezing for maximum fertility protection.
Korean centers combine medical precision and biotechnology innovation, ensuring tissue quality and post-thaw survival rates among the highest globally.
Ideal Candidates
Ovarian tissue cryopreservation is recommended for:
- Women diagnosed with cancer requiring urgent gonadotoxic chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
- Patients with hormone-sensitive cancers (such as breast or ovarian) where hormone stimulation is contraindicated.
- Prepubertal girls and adolescents unable to undergo egg retrieval.
- Patients with genetic disorders (e.g., Turner syndrome) at risk of premature ovarian failure.
- Women requiring bone marrow or stem cell transplants.
- Individuals with strong desire for biological motherhood post-recovery.
This technique is particularly beneficial for young patients or those who cannot delay cancer therapy.
Possible Risks & Complications
Ovarian tissue cryopreservation is safe and minimally invasive, but as with any surgical or cryogenic procedure, potential risks exist:
- Surgical risks: Minor bleeding, infection, or postoperative discomfort.
- Partial tissue loss: Some follicles may not survive freezing or thawing.
- Cancer cell contamination: Rare risk of reintroducing malignant cells during tissue transplantation.
- Variable graft longevity: Reimplanted tissue may function for 3–10 years depending on age and tissue quality.
- Hormonal side effects: Temporary irregularities in menstrual cycles post-transplantation.
Korean fertility programs use rigorous histological screening, aseptic cryogenic handling, and molecular testing to eliminate contamination risks and ensure tissue integrity.
Surgical Techniques Used
Korean specialists are global leaders in advanced cryobiological and surgical innovation for ovarian tissue preservation.
1. Laparoscopic Ovarian Tissue Retrieval
- Conducted under general anesthesia using minimally invasive laparoscopy.
- Approximately one-third of the ovarian cortex is removed.
- The cortex, rich in primordial follicles, is dissected into 1-mm-thick slices for optimal cryoprotectant penetration.
2. Tissue Preparation
- Cortical strips are washed, sectioned, and processed under sterile laboratory conditions.
- Cryoprotectants are introduced gradually to prevent cellular dehydration and ice-crystal formation.
3. Vitrification or Slow Freezing
- Vitrification (ultra-rapid freezing) is now the dominant Korean method, ensuring near-complete follicular survival.
- Tissues are cooled to –196 °C and stored in secure liquid nitrogen tanks.
4. Storage & Documentation
- Cryogenic monitoring systems track temperature stability and sample identity continuously.
- Samples are safely stored for long-term use under nationally standardized protocols.
5. Reimplantation (Post-Treatment Phase)
- Thawed tissue is transplanted into the pelvic cavity (orthotopic) or alternative sites (heterotopic).
- Micro-surgical precision ensures revascularization and follicular activation within months.
Korean research and clinical experience have refined each of these steps for maximum efficiency and safety.
Recovery & Aftercare
Postoperative recovery is typically quick and comfortable:
- Most patients return home within 24 hours.
- Mild abdominal discomfort may last 1–2 days.
- Cancer therapy usually resumes within 2–5 days after surgery.
- After reimplantation, hormonal monitoring is performed to assess tissue function.
- Regular follow-up includes hormonal tests (AMH, FSH, estradiol) and ultrasound evaluation.
Korean centers emphasize holistic aftercare — combining endocrine management, nutritional support, and emotional counseling to help patients through recovery and reproductive planning.
Results & Longevity
Clinical results from Korean fertility centers demonstrate impressive outcomes:
- Ovarian function recovery: Observed in over 90% of patients within 3–6 months after transplantation.
- Natural conception: Many patients achieve pregnancy naturally following graft reactivation.
- Duration of restored function: Typically lasts 3–10 years, depending on age and graft quality.
- Hormone balance: Restored estrogen and progesterone production in most patients.
- Cryogenic stability: Tissue remains viable for decades when vitrified properly.
Korea’s advanced cryotechnology, strict laboratory standards, and surgical expertise have made OTC one of the most successful fertility preservation methods for cancer patients worldwide.
Treatment Process in Korea
Step 1 – Oncofertility Consultation
- Immediate multidisciplinary meeting between oncologists and fertility specialists.
- Assessment of cancer type, urgency, and reproductive goals.
Step 2 – Hormonal & Ovarian Evaluation
- Baseline tests (AMH, FSH, ultrasound) determine ovarian reserve.
- Personalized preservation plan developed.
Step 3 – Tissue Retrieval
- Laparoscopic removal of ovarian tissue under anesthesia.
- Minimal hospital stay and rapid postoperative recovery.
Step 4 – Cryopreservation
- Laboratory processing, vitrification, and cryostorage under strict quality control.
- Samples labeled and digitally tracked for long-term storage.
Step 5 – Cancer Treatment
- Patients proceed to chemotherapy or radiotherapy immediately after recovery.
Step 6 – Reimplantation (Post-Cancer Recovery)
- After remission, tissue is thawed and transplanted to restore fertility and hormone production.
- Ovarian function resumes naturally in most patients.
Why Korea Is a Global Leader
- Cutting-edge vitrification technology and precision cryogenic systems.
- Expert laparoscopic surgery teams specializing in micro-reproductive procedures.
- Multidisciplinary oncofertility programs integrating cancer and fertility care.
- National fertility preservation network enabling fast coordination and standardized care.
- High success rates for ovarian function restoration and post-cancer pregnancies.
- Cost-effective and patient-centered approach compared to Western counterparts.
These advantages position Korea as a top destination for ovarian tissue cryopreservation and oncofertility treatment.
Cost Range
The cost of ovarian tissue cryopreservation in Korea depends on surgical complexity, storage duration, and future transplantation needs.
Typical ranges:
- Laparoscopic tissue retrieval: USD 3,000 – 5,000
- Laboratory processing and vitrification: USD 2,000 – 3,000
- Cryostorage (annual): USD 300 – 800
- Future reimplantation surgery: USD 3,000 – 6,000
- Comprehensive fertility preservation package: USD 5,000 – 9,000
Costs are generally lower than in many Western countries while offering world-class facilities and technology.
Popular Clinics in Korea
- CHA Fertility Center (Seoul, Bundang): World-renowned for ovarian tissue freezing and reimplantation success.
- Maria Fertility Hospital: Offers specialized oncofertility programs and ovarian tissue banking.
- MizMedi Women’s Hospital: Known for laparoscopic ovarian tissue retrieval and advanced vitrification labs.
- Hamchoon Women’s Clinic: Focused on reproductive endocrinology and ovarian preservation research.
- Seoul Women’s Hospital: Provides integrated oncofertility services with long-term cryostorage facilities.
