[Ultrasonically-guided transvaginal puncture under local anesthesia for oocyte recovery]

We practised 17 cases of oocyte retrieval between January and June 1988 in our programme of IVF using a vaginal sound and local analgesia in order to retrieve oocytes using a transvaginal ultrasonic guide. The method is described. The recent literature has been reviewed and our results are given: 7.9 oocytes retrieved on an average from each patient, 4.4 oocytes fertilized per patient and 18% of clinical pregnancies. In view of the results that have been obtained and the lessening of risk by avoiding general anaesthesia and the lower cost for each case, as well as the fact that the patients tolerate the method very well, we are now recommending its application routinely and reserve laparoscopy for rare cases.