Outpatient in vitro fertilization using transvaginal ultrasound-guided oocyte retrieval

Of 80 patients who initiated in vitro fertilization cycles in an integrated outpatient facility, 61 had oocyte retrievals performed under local anesthesia with ultrasound-guided transvaginal aspiration of ovarian follicles. Ten patients conceived, all in the group of 49 who had human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)-timed retrievals. Our results indicate that in vitro fertilization can be performed to a high standard with this method, with excellent patient acceptance and reduced cost without general anesthesia, laparoscopy, or in-hospital setting.