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Gamete intra-fallopian transfer combined with diagnostic laparoscopy: a treatment for infertility in a district
J S Pampiglione1, V N Bolton, J H Parsons
1Academic Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, King's College School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, UK.
Abstract:
Gamete intra-Fallopian transfer (GIFT) was combined with a diagnostic laparoscopy on a routine operating list in a district general hospital. The equipment used was entirely portable. Operations were programmed 6-12 weeks in advance using a fixed ovarian stimulation regimen. Of 47 patients treated, 38 (81%) responded appropriately to stimulation. Of these, 23 had partners with normal semen parameters and 5 of 21 (24%) who had GIFT conceived. Two others were found to have tubal damage. Their eggs were transported to an in-vitro fertilization unit at another hospital. Both conceived after embryo transfer. In 15 couples, the semen was found to be sub-optimal and none of these became pregnant. GIFT can be performed in a district hospital, on a fixed schedule in conjunction with a diagnostic laparoscopy. The technique appears unsuitable for patients with suboptimal semen and the backing of an in-vitro fertilization unit increases pregnancy rates.