Prevention of recurrent adnexal torsion

Objective

To report a case of adnexal torsion after in vitro fertilization (IVF) with two subsequent episodes of contralateral adnexal torsion and a novel approach for reducing the risk of recurrence.

Design

Case report.

Setting

University-based IVF program.

Patient(s)

A 32-year-old woman who conceived with IVF and experienced sequential bilateral adnexal torsion. Left adnexal torsion was diagnosed with laparoscopic detorsion performed 2 days after embryo transfer. At 7 weeks' gestation, right adnexal torsion occurred and was managed with laparoscopic detorsion. Subsequently, right adnexal torsion recurred at 10 weeks' gestation, and laparoscopic detorsion with shortening of the uteroovarian ligament was performed.

Intervention(s)

Gonadotropin ovulation induction, IVF, and laparoscopic detorsion of both right and left adnexa with shortening of the right uteroovarian ligament.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

Preservation of adnexa after torsion and successful pregnancy.

Result(s)

Successful pregnancy and birth; resolution of torsion, prevention of recurrence with viable bilateral adnexa after detorsion and shortening of the utero-ovarian ligament with novel use of laparoscopic Endoloop.

Conclusion(s)

This is a unique case of multiple episodes of adnexal torsion following IVF with a new form of treatment using the laparoscopic Endoloop. Management of the infertility patient should be conservative and warrants ovarian preservation whenever possible. Multiple sequential episodes of adnexal torsion during a single pregnancy are a rare complication of IVF. Shortening of the utero-ovarian ligament is an alternative to oophoropexy to prevent recurrence.