Gamete intrafallopian transfer by hysteroscopy as an alternative treatment for infertility.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate efficacy and safety of the hysteroscopic cannulation by flexible catheter of the fallopian tubes for gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT).

DESIGN

We studied the pregnancy rate (PR) and the safety of this new technique.

SETTING

All patients were enlisted for GIFT at our Reproductive Medicine Unit.

PATIENTS

We treated 26 patients whose infertility causes were terminal tubal damage, male factors, unexplained factors, and endometriosis. Patients with uterine tubal ostia unsuitable for gamete transfer or cervical incontinence were not included in the group.

INTERVENTIONS

The patients underwent ovulation induction and oocyte retrieval by transvaginal ultrasonically guided puncture. The gamete transfers were carried out by hysteroscopic procedure using a flexible catheter put through the operating channel.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

The efficacy was evaluated by the PR (25.9%).

RESULTS

Seven clinical pregnancies were obtained, but two patients aborted during the first weeks of pregnancy. No ectopic pregnancies were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that hysteroscopic GIFT is an alternative, safe, effective, and not invasive technique for fertility problems.