Follicular aspiration for in vitro fertilization: sonographically guided transvaginal versus laparoscopic approach

Laparoscopy is the most commonly used procedure for oocyte retrieval in an in-vitro fertilization (IVF) program. In this study we compared the results of 21 laparoscopic and 21 sonographically guided transvaginal oocyte retrievals using a vaginal probe. Laparoscopically 3.7 and transvaginally 4.8 oocytes per patient were recovered. Overall 6 pregnancies were achieved, giving a pregnancy rate of 14.1% per patient. Vaginal follicular aspiration resulted in a higher oocyte recovery rate. The advantages of the method were a shorter operation time, a superficial anesthesia and, compared to laparoscopy, a less invasive and simpler technique. Therefore this method is now commonly used for routine IVF procedures in our institution.