A comparison of three techniques for ovarian reconstruction.

We compared three methods of ovarian reconstruction in 23 mature female New Zealand White rabbits. Each animal was its own control. The right ovary in each rabbit was incised and repaired by placing three 8-0 nylon sutures through and through the base of the defect (method A). The left ovary was repaired without these through-and-through sutures. In 16, hemostasis was achieved by microbipolar cautery (method B); in seven, hemostasis was achieved with three sutures placed entirely inside the defect (method B1). The cortex of each ovary was repaired identically by continuous 8-0 nylon suture. Outcome was evaluated by laparoscopy 14 days after mating. Through-and-through sutures (right ovary) caused a significant increase in adhesion formation and decrease in nidation index. When these animals were put to death 14 weeks later, the right ovaries were significantly smaller. On the left, there was no difference in any outcome variable between methods B and B1. This study clearly shows the detrimental effect of through-and-through sutures for ovarian reconstruction.