Oocyte retrieval in an IVF program. A comparison of laparoscopic and transvaginal ultrasound-guided follicular puncture.

From 1 April 1986 to 20 May 1987, 160 oocyte retrievals were performed in our IVF program. 80 oocyte retrievals were done by laparoscopy under general anaesthesia and 80 under light sedation and local analgesia using transvaginal ultrasound guided follicle puncture. More oocytes were recovered with the ultrasound procedure than with laparoscopy, 616 versus 478. The fertilization rate was higher when the oocytes were collected with the ultrasound procedure, vis-à-vis laparoscopy, 70.6% versus 59.6%. The number of embryos transferred was greater in the former than in the latter group, 300 versus 182. There were 13 clinical pregnancies in the laparoscopy group versus 17 in the ultrasound group. There were no serious complications in either group. Transvaginal ultrasound guided follicle aspiration is a safe and simple procedure.