Argentina has performed its first robot-assisted ovarian autotransplant. The procedure, aimed at restoring fertility after cancer treatment, was carried out at the Italian Hospital in Buenos Aires, making Argentina the second country in the world to use this technique. The process began after the patient completed her cancer treatment and was discharged. The ovarian tissue, previously cryopreserved, was thawed and assessed for safety before re-implantation. Through a minimally invasive surgery, the team carefully prepared an area near the ovary to facilitate the tissue's reconnection with the blood supply, which is crucial for its survival, and then implanted the tissues. After completing cancer treatment, the patient can use the chosen preservation techniques to restore her fertility whenever she wishes. In this case, the ovarian tissue preservation was done a year and a half before the transplant. The decision to preserve ovarian tissue is made at the time of planning the cancer treatment. Specialists highlight that robotic technology significantly elevates the technical standard of the procedure, allowing for greater precision and safety, which directly impacts the likelihood of the ovary functioning again and the patient regaining fertility. Compared to conventional laparoscopic surgery, the robotic platform provides enhanced vision and micro-instruments that allow for more delicate manipulation of the tissue. This ensures that fragments of the ovarian cortex are carefully implanted, minimizing potential suturing errors and maximizing proximity to blood vessels, guaranteeing proper circulation for the tissue to function again. The patient was discharged in less than 24 hours, with a postoperative course similar to any minimally invasive surgery. "This achievement reflects the integration of four key capabilities: excellent oncological care, a solid assisted reproduction program, an operational biobank under INCUCAI regulations, and a state-of-the-art robotic surgery platform," concluded Dr. Romina Pesce.
