Intraperitoneal bleeding following transvaginal oocyte retrieval

To investigate the risk factors for intraperitoneal bleeding following transvaginal oocyte retrieval (TVOR).

Retrospective review of records from patients who underwent TVOR between 2004 and 2008. Patients who had mild and severe intraperitoneal bleeding were compared with the same number of patients without intraperitoneal bleeding (control group) who underwent oocyte retrieval on the same day performed by the same doctor as those who experienced bleeding.

Of 10251 retrieval cycles performed, 22 (0.2%) patients had intraperitoneal bleeding. Five (0.05%) patients with severe bleeding underwent laparotomy or laparoscopy, while 17 patients were managed conservatively for mild bleeding. Among patients with no bleeding, mild bleeding, or severe bleeding, there were significant differences in body mass index (P<0.02) and number of oocytes retrieved (P<0.01), while no differences were seen for age and pregnancy rate.

Patients with severe intraperitoneal bleeding had a lower body mass index, a history of surgery, were younger, and had a moderate ovarian response; those with mild bleeding were young and had a high ovarian response.