After losing her mum so tragically to ovarian cancer in 2021, Lauren accepted it was time to address her own health concerns. Apprehensive and unsure Lauren visited her GP who referred her to Liverpool Women’s Hospital where an ultrasound scan confirmed her biggest fears, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) on her right ovary and a 30cm cyst on her left ovary with concerning features.
Following urgent surgery to remove the cyst performed by Mr Otify, Consultant Gynaecologist at Liverpool Women’s Hospital Lauren was diagnosed with a borderline mucinous tumour. While typically less aggressive than invasive ovarian cancers, this type of cancer has the potential to exhibit aggressive behaviour in certain cases.
“I was petrified,” said Lauren. “I’d always wanted to be a mum and had been trying to conceive for a number of years, but losing my own mum so suddenly and then facing this diagnosis it all felt overwhelming and my hopes of having my own family were starting to fade”.
Following discussions with Mr Otify Lauren was referred to the Hewitt Fertility Centre at Liverpool Women’s to preserve her fertility before any further treatment. Remarkably, 23 eggs were retrieved from Lauren’s remaining ovary and frozen.
Six months later, devastatingly a second cyst was discovered on Lauren’s one remaining ovary. Lauren’s first thoughts were of despair “I remember thinking I can’t do this again” However Mr Otify reassured Lauren, he felt she was still too young for a full hysterectomy and was keen to give Lauren a chance to conceive naturally, and put Lauren forward for pioneering Robotic Surgery.
“As opposed to open surgery, Robotic assisted surgery allows for more precision and accuracy. The robotic platform allows us to perform delicate procedures with enhanced visualisation and control, which in Lauren’s case made it possible to preserve as much healthy ovarian tissue as possible. It's important to remember that the hormone drive from the ovaries plays a crucial role for patients, so preserving ovarian function is a key consideration” said Mr Otify.
In September 2023, Lauren underwent robotic-assisted surgery to remove the second cyst from her one remaining ovary. The surgery was a huge success. The precision of the robotic technology allowed for the successful removal of the cyst while preserving healthy ovarian tissue and in February 2024, Lauren received the unexpected news she was pregnant. “After six years of trying and everything I had been through, I was floored,” Lauren recalled. “I couldn’t believe it was real.”
“The day I found out I was pregnant I had just come off the phone with Mr Otify, a check up call to see how I was feeling following my surgery. My period was a bit delayed, but I put that down to the PCOs or the surgery. But for some reason I decided to take a test to be sure and straight away it came back positive. I was around 8 weeks. I was absolutely floored as this wasn’t my first time doing a test for this reason. Over the years I think I’ve taken close to a thousand tests. I remember all too well the feeling when it came back negative. It felt like taking a punch to the stomach each time, so to see the positive test result I was really emotional, it took a long time to sink in.”
Lauren’s pregnancy was a smooth journey, culminating in the arrival of her healthy baby boy, Teddy. “It’s the best thing in the world. My life feels complete,” Lauren said. “I can’t thank Mr. Otify enough for not giving up on me and for guiding me through every step of this journey.”
Mr. Otify added: “Lauren’s resilience and determination were truly inspiring. Her story highlights the incredible potential of robotic-assisted surgery to preserve fertility in complex cases. I’m thrilled to see her celebrate this wonderful milestone. Lauren continues to be monitored regularly, and her case serves as an inspiring example of hope for other women facing similar challenges”.
What started as a heartbreaking journey of loss and uncertainty has become a story of hope, perseverance, and new beginnings. Through pioneering Robotic Surgery Mr Otify was able to ensure Lauren and her dream of becoming a mum were realised. “Following the success of Lauren’s case, I expect to perform more of these types of procedures, where the goal is to preserve fertility and minimise the need for more radical surgery. Robotic-assisted surgery offers significant advantages in achieving these delicate outcomes”.