Microtubal reanastomosis: success rates as compared to in vitro fertilization

To determine the pregnancy rates of microtubal reanastomosis (MTR) and any associated clinical variables, to determine pregnancy rates and live birth rates of MTR as compared to in vitro fertilization (IVF) and to study the rates of ectopic pregnancy and spontaneous abortion (SAB) after MTR.

Retrospective chart review.

At our institution, the pregnancy rate in the first 12 months following MTR was 44.3%. The study also showed that 2 clinical variables of the MTR procedure that had higher pregnancy rates were when Hulka clips (Hulka-Clemens, Richard Wolf, Rosemont, Illinois) or Filshie clips (Coopersurgical, Lake Forest, California) were used as the mechanism of tubal occlusion and if bilateral MTR was performed instead of unilateral. There was not a significant difference in the pregnancy rates of MTR (44.3%) vs. IVF (38%). However, there was a statistically significant difference in the live birth rate of MTR (19%) vs. IVF (31%) (p=0.007). The rates of ectopic pregnancy and SAB after MTR were 10% and 15.7%, respectively.

This study showed a significantly higher live birth rate when patients underwent IVF as compared to MTR in the first 12 months following an MTR procedure.