Low risk of endometrioma infection after oocyte retrieval

What is the incidence of endometrioma infections requiring surgical drainage following oocyte retrieval in women with ovarian endometrioma?

This retrospective observational cohort study included women aged 18-43 years with a confirmed radiological diagnosis of ovarian endometrioma who underwent ovarian stimulation and oocyte retrieval for IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) or fertility preservation between January 2018 and December 2023 at a single tertiary academic centre. All procedures were performed under standardized aseptic conditions with antibiotic prophylaxis. Transcystic puncture was performed when deemed necessary. The primary outcome was the incidence of endometrioma infections requiring surgical drainage within 30 days after oocyte retrieval.

Oocyte retrievals were performed in 1102 out of 1668 cycles (66.1%) for IVF/ICSI and in 566 cycles (33.9%) for fertility preservation. Bilateral endometriomas were present in 322 of 880 patients (36.6%), with a mean cyst (SD) diameter of 31.5 ± 22.7 mm. Endometriomas larger than 30 mm accounted for 295 of 649 cases (45.5%). Intentional transcystic puncture was performed in 76 of 1148 applicable procedures (6.6%), and endometrioma drainage during oocyte retrieval occurred in 52 cases (4.5%). Endometrioma infections requiring surgical drainage occurred in 6 of 1668 procedures (0.36%). Only one infection was reported following transcystic puncture (1.3%). No cases of sepsis or septic shock occurred. Five infections were managed with ultrasound-guided transvaginal drainage; one required laparoscopic surgery.

The incidence of endometrioma infection requiring surgical intervention after oocyte retrieval, including after transcystic puncture, is low. These findings support the safety of assisted reproductive techniques in women with endometriomas.