Resumption of Ovarian Function after Ovarian Biopsy/Scratch in Patients with Premature Ovarian Insufficiency

To evaluate the effect of ovarian biopsy and scratch on the resumption of ovarian function in women with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), the follicle development and pregnancy outcome were retrospectively analyzed in women with POI after ovarian biopsy/scratch. Eighty patients with POI with secondary amenorrhea were accepted the laparoscopic surgery, and then hormone replacement treatment for 6 months was applied and in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer was suggested. No significant difference in clinical characteristics was observed before and after ovarian biopsy/scratch (P > .05). After the ovarian surgery, 11 (13.75%) patients presented with ovarian function resumption spontaneously or with human menopausal gonadotropin stimulation. Three metaphases II oocytes were retrieved in 10 patients. Two embryos were formed and freshly transferred followed by a healthy singleton delivery in 1 (1.25%) patient. Patients with follicle development had higher baseline estradiol compared to those without (78.20 [18.53-161.08] pg/mL vs 15.70 [8.40-43.80] pg/mL, P < .01). The technique of ovarian biopsy/scratch could promote follicle development in vivo, suggesting it could bring promising benefits for some women with POI. However, future improvement in efficiency and practice criteria is warranted.