Transvaginal ultrasound directed oocyte collection for in vitro fertilization: successes and complications

From December 1985 to April 1986, 458 patients underwent 600 transvaginal ultrasound-directed oocyte pickups (TVOPU) in preparation for in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer at The Royal North Shore Hospital of Sydney. Collections (552) were performed under light general anesthetic and, more recently, 48 were performed with light sedation. At least one oocyte was collected in 98.7% of all TVOPUs. A total of 3117 follicles (greater than 12 mm) were aspirated and 2576 oocytes were collected. Ninety-two clinical pregnancies were established after embryo transfer in 474 cycles. Major operative morbidity was low, with three pelvic abscesses and three pelvic hematomas reported. The procedure was well accepted by patients, with only one expressing a preference for the laparoscopic method. TVOPU is now the preferred method of oocyte pickup in our unit.