[In vitro fertilization].

The results of 36 follicular punctures for in vitro fertilization (IVF) performed at the Maternity unit of Hôpital Tenon, Paris, between January and June 1981 are reported. To collect a pre-ovulatory ovocyte by follicular puncture through laparoscopy requires extremely accurate monitoring of ovulation to make sure that the ovocyte collected has completed its nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation in vivo. The criteria for puncture time are the beginning of LH plasma peak level in spontaneous cycles and injection of HCG in stimulated cycles. In this series the ovocyte collection rate was 60% on average. Failures were mostly due to the local status of the genital tract in the women selected for attempted IVF, since all of them had permanent tubal sterility consecutive to severe pelvic inflammatory lesions. The percentage of ovocytes found to be mature was higher in spontaneous than in stimulated cycles. Out of 13 pre-ovulatory ovocytes collected, 8 were fertilized in vitro. Four could be transferred into the uterus, resulting in two pregnancies which had to be interrupted at an early stage. IVF demands full availability of the surgical and laboratory teams concerned.