Transvaginal, ultrasound-guided oocyte retrieval for in vitro fertilization

As compared to laparoscopic oocyte retrieval, the trans-vaginal, ultrasound-guided technique can be performed away from a formal operating room, without general anesthesia and its attendant risks and with a significant reduction in operating time. Performed under paracervical block and minimal analgesia, transvaginal, ultrasound-guided oocyte retrieval results in a fairly easily tolerated level of pain during the procedure and very minimal residual pain postoperatively. The mean number of oocytes retrieved, fertilization and embryo transfer rates, and clinical pregnancy rates are not significantly different between the two procedures. If bleeding occurs from the vaginal puncture site, it is easily controlled with pressure. In this study, postoperative pelvic infection occurred in three patients. The above advantages and associated reduction in cost achieved with the trans-vaginal, ultrasound-guided procedure make it the current method of choice for oocyte retrieval.