Reconstructive pelvic operations for in vitro fertilization

Lysis of adhesions, bilateral salpingectomy, and ovarian suspension were carried out in 54 normal ovulatory patients with long-standing infertility that was associated with severe pelvic adhesions after multiple laparotomies for reimplantation of the fallopian tubes, salpingostomy, lysis of adhesions, or severe endometriosis. Ovulation was induced in 39 patients after laparotomy for in vitro fertilization, with the use of human menopausal gonadotropin, pure follicle-stimulating hormone, and human chorionic gonadotropin. Oocyte retrieval by laparoscopy was accomplished in 37 patients, and embryo transfer was carried out in 36. Pregnancy after in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer occurred in 14 patients. Although severe adhesions recurred in four patients, a significant improvement was obtained after the procedure in the others.