[Transurethral transvesicular follicle aspiration in the IVF and ET program]

Fifty eight ultrasound-guided transurethral aspirations for in vitro fertilization were performed from October 1987 to June 1988. At that time twenty two laparoscopic oocyte retrievals were done, mostly in patients in our gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT) program. All procedures were performed by the same ovarian stimulation protocol under general anesthesia. In the transurethral ultrasound-guided group 143 oocytes were recovered from 207 follicles aspirated (69.1%). The fertilization rate was 52.4% and one clinical pregnancy occurred. In the laparoscopy group 43 oocytes were recovered from 70 follicles aspirated (61.4%). The fertilization rate (because of GIFT procedures) could not be assessed. There were no statistically differences between the two groups. No major complications were noted. Transurethral transvesical ultrasound-guided follicular aspiration should be considered as an alternative route for oocyte retrieval.