Ovarian Follicular Response Is Altered by Salpingectomy in Assisted Reproductive Technology: A Pre- and Postoperative...

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Endocrinology
• Gynecologic Surgery
• Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)

Background:

• Unilateral salpingectomy is a common gynecologic procedure.
• Its impact on ovarian follicle recruitment in subsequent assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycles is not fully understood.
• Assessing this effect is crucial for optimizing fertility outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effect of unilateral salpingectomy on ipsilateral ovarian mature follicle count during ART.
• To compare follicle numbers in the operated ovary versus the contralateral ovary post-surgery.
• To inform surgical indications and fertility preservation strategies.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective, single-center, case-control cohort study (2017-2022).
• Included 24 patients (18-43 years) undergoing ART before and after unilateral salpingectomy.
• Compared mature follicles (≥16 mm) in ipsilateral (salpingectomy) vs. contralateral ovaries across two ART cycles.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in mature follicles between ovaries before surgery.
• Mean mature follicles significantly reduced in the operated ovary post-salpingectomy (3.00 vs. 5.08, p=0.048).
• No significant difference in intermediate or total recruited follicles.

Conclusions:

• Salpingectomy may negatively impact ipsilateral ovarian follicle recruitment, potentially due to altered vascularization.
• Gynecologists should consider this effect when setting surgical indications.
• Emphasizes the need for surgeons skilled in fertility preservation for ART patients.