Transvaginal ultrasound or laparoscopy for oocyte retrieval (experiences in the Ljubljana IVF program)

At present, the less invasive ultrasound-directed techniques are the methods of choice for oocyte retrieval in most in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (FIVET) centers. Among the ultrasound-direct techniques, the transvaginal follicle aspiration guided by transvaginal ultrasound for oocyte recovery is gaining popularity in many FIVET centers. This study compare cycles outcome following transvaginal ultrasound oocyte retrieval (105 cycles) to laparoscopic oocyte retrieval (218 cycles); no statistically significant difference could be demonstrated between the groups in all parameters evaluated but better clinical results have been obtained in transvaginal ultrasound group. The Authors conclude that transvaginal oocyte recovery represents an improvement and a simplification of the FIVET procedure.