Ovarian performance after laparoscopic salpingectomy or proximal tubal division of hydrosalpinx

ObjectiveTo compare the effect of laparoscopic salpingectomy and proximal fallopian tubal division on ovarian function after controlled ovarian hyperstimulation.MethodsSeventy-six patients undergoing their first IVF-ET cycle were divided into (group 1) 20 patients undergoing laparoscopic salpingectomy, (group 2) 19 patients undergoing proximal tubal division, and (group 3) 37 tubal-factor patients without hydrosalpinx as control group.Main Outcome Measure(s)Ovarian artery pulsatility index (PI), basal follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels before and after surgery, operative time, total dose and duration of IVF stimulation, number of retrieved and fertilized oocytes, and the number of embryos transferred.Result(s)No significant differences in mean ovarian artery pulsatility indices among any of the groups before or after surgery. The mean FSH value was similar before and after laparoscopic proximal tubal division. The FSH value significantly increased after laparoscopic salpingectomy. The operative time in the PTD group was significantly shorter than in the salpingectomy group. Total dose and duration of stimulation and the number of retrieved and fertilized oocytes were not significantly different between groups 1, and 2 or the control group.Conclusion(s)Laparoscopic salpingectomy or proximal tubal division gives similar responses to IVF-ET cycles. However, proximal tubal division preserved ovarian function.     

Ovarian Response to Gonadotropins in Patients With Tubal Factor Infertility: Salpingectomy Versus Nonsalpingectomy

Study ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of salpingectomy on the ovarian response to gonadotropins and in vitro fertilization–embryo transfer (IVF-ET) cycle outcomes in women with tubal factor infertility.DesignA retrospective study (Canadian Task Force Classification II-3)SettingAn in vitro fertilization laboratory in a university hospital in Taiwan.PatientsWe analyzed the outcomes of 288 consecutive fresh IVF-ET cycles in 251 consecutive women with tubal factor infertility from January 2001 to December 2011. Two hundred eighty-eight cycles were divided into 2 groups comprising 103 cycles with laparoscopic salpingectomy and 185 cycles with prior bilateral tubal sterilization, laparoscopic tuboplasty, or proximal tubal occlusion as the control group.InterventionsControlled ovarian hyperstimulation and IVF-ET.Measurements and Main ResultsThe main outcome was measured by comparing the duration of stimulation, number of gonadotropin ampoules per cycle, number of follicles, number of oocytes retrieved, fertilization rate, implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, and live birth rate. We observed no significant difference in any ovarian response parameter between the salpingectomy and nonsalpingectomy groups. Implantation rates, clinical pregnancy rates, and live birth rates were similar. The mean numbers of follicles and oocytes retrieved ipsilateral to the operated side in the salpingectomy group were similar to the numbers of follicles and oocytes retrieved from the nonoperated ovary.ConclusionsLaparoscopic salpingectomy did not have a negative effect on the ovarian response in women with tubal factor infertility.     

Safety and Assisted Reproductive Technology Outcomes of Hysteroscopic Tubal Microinserts Versus Laparoscopic Proximal Tubal Occlusion or Salpingectomy for Hydrosalpinges Treatment

ObjectiveThis study sought to answer the following question: What are the complications and assisted reproductive technology outcomes among women with hydrosalpinges managed by hysteroscopic microinsert tubal occlusion compared with women with hydrosalpinges managed by laparoscopic proximal tubal occlusion or salpingectomy?MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study conducted from January 2009 to December 2014 at two academic, tertiary care, in vitro fertilization centres in Toronto, Ontario. All patients (n = 52) who underwent hysteroscopic tubal occlusion for hydrosalpinges were identified. Patients who proceeded with embryo transfer cycles after hysteroscopic microinsert (n = 33) were further age matched to a cohort of patients who underwent embryo transfer after laparoscopic proximal tubal occlusion or salpingectomy (n = 33). Main outcome measures were clinical pregnancy rate per patient and per embryo transfer cycle.ResultsAmong 33 patients, there were 39 fresh and 37 frozen embryo transfer cycles in the hysteroscopic group (group A); among 33 patients in the laparoscopic group (group B), there were 42 fresh and 29 frozen embryo transfer cycles. The cumulative clinical pregnancy rate in group A and group B was similar (66.7% vs. 69.7%, respectively; P = 0.8). The clinical pregnancy rate per embryo transfer cycle was also similar in both groups (28.9% in group A vs. 32.4% in group B; P = 0.6). There were two incidents of ectopic pregnancy in the laparoscopic group and no ectopic pregnancy in the hysteroscopic group. There were three major complications: tubo-ovarian abscess, distal migration of the coil after microinsert placement, and an acute abdomen following the hysteroscopic procedure.ConclusionPregnancy outcomes after hysteroscopic placement of a microinsert for hydrosalpinx management before embryo transfer were comparable to those following laparoscopic proximal tubal occlusion or salpingectomy. However, caution is advised regarding microinsert placement for hydrosalpinges before proceeding with assisted reproductive technology.     

Laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy of endometriomas does not affect the ovarian response to gonadotropin stimulation

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the ovarian response cycles of IVF-ET in patients who previously underwent laparoscopic cystectomy for endometriomas. DESIGN: Retrospective study with prospective selection of participants and controls. SETTING: Instituto de Ginecología y Fertilidad Buenos Aires, Argentina. PATIENT(S): Thirty-nine patients underwent an operation for ovarian endometriomas by atraumatic removal of the pseudocapsule with minimal bipolar cauterization of small bleeders and an IVF-ET cycle (group A) and 39 control patients of similar age underwent an IVF-ET cycle for tubal factor infertility (group B). INTERVENTION(S): Laparoscopic endometrioma cystectomy, IVF-ET cycle. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): E(2) levels, number of gonadotropin ampoules, follicles, oocytes retrieved, number and quality of embryos transferred, and clinical pregnancy rate. RESULT(S): There were no differences in all the parameters studied (E(2) levels, number of follicles, oocytes retrieved, number and quality of embryos transferred, and clinical pregnancy rate) except for the number of gonadotropin ampoules needed for ovarian hyperstimulation, which was significantly higher in group A than in group B. CONCLUSION(S): Our results indicate that laparoscopic cystectomy for endometriomas is an appropriate treatment since it did not negatively affect the ovarian response for IVF-ET.     

子宫内膜异位症对体外受精-胚胎移植的影响

目的　探讨子宫内膜异位症 (内异症 )对体外受精 -胚胎移植 (Invitrofertilization -embryotransfer,IVF -ET)的影响。方法　对 2 0 0 1年 1月～ 2 0 0 3年 1 0月 86例内异症合并不育患者超促排卵、体外受精和胚胎移植结局等进行回顾性分析 (共 94个周期 ) ;同期 2 0 0例输卵管因素不育患者作为对照组。结果　内异症组促性腺激素需要量显著高于对照组 (P <0 0 1 )。内异症组的获卵数、受精率、优质胚胎数显著低于对照组 (P<0 0 5 ) ;裂率比较 ,差异无显著性 ;内异症组的胚胎着床率 (1 4 2 1 % )、临床妊娠率 (2 9 5 5 % ) ,低于对照组(1 9 5 2 % ,38 2 6 % ) ,差异无统计学意义。结论　内异症影响卵巢对促超排卵的反应 ,影响卵母细胞的受精。内异症患者着床率和临床妊娠率显示降低的趋势     

Cauterization of hydrosalpinges before in vitro fertilization is an effective surgical treatment associated with improved pregnancy rates

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to determine whether proximal tubal cauterization is an effective method of reversing the decreased pregnancy rates seen in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer with hydrosalpinges present. STUDY DESIGN: We studied a group of 94 patients with tubal factor infertility. Sixty patients had hydrosalpinges documented by either hysterosalpingography or laparoscopy, or both. Forty-five had surgical treatment of hydrosalpinges by salpingectomy or by proximal tubal cauterization. In vitro fertilization-embryo transfer was performed within 3 months after surgery. Pregnancy and implantation rates were compared. RESULTS: Patients with hydrosalpinx had significantly decreased clinical pregnancy and implantation rates per cycle (14% and 8%, respectively) compared with those of patients undergoing proximal tubal cauterization before the in vitro fertilization cycle (73% and 36%, respectively). These pregnancy and implantation rates are comparable with those found in patients with tubal factor infertility without hydrosalpinges (53% and 22%, respectively), as well as in salpingectomy-treated patients (46% and 24%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Proximal tubal cauterization is effective in reversing the adverse effects of hydrosalpinges.     

A reassessment of comparative pregnancy and implantation rates following embryo transfer in recipients vs their infertile donors also trying to conceive in the background of performing salpingectomy for hydrosalpinx

PURPOSE: To compare pregnancy and implantation rates in egg donors trying to conceive vs their recipients in the background of salpingectomy for hydrosalpinx prior to IVF-ET. METHODS: A retrospective six-year review of all donor egg cycles where the eggs are supplied by an infertile donor trying to conceive herself was carried out. Salpingectomy for hydrosalpinx was performed prior to IVF-ET. RESULTS: Clinical and delivered pregnancy rates (PRs) following fresh ET were not significantly different in donors vs recipients (60.0%, 45.8% vs 56.8%, 50.8%). Implantation rates were 27.3% vs 32.6%. The respective implantation rates following frozen ET were 13.8% and 14.4%. CONCLUSIONS: In the background of salpingectomy for hydrosalpinges the much higher PRs in recipients vs donors is no longer seen. The trend for higher implantation rates in recipients (about 20%) following fresh but not frozen transfer could still reflect some adverse effect of the controlled ovarian hyperstimulation regimen in a minority of women.     

Adnexal torsion in a patient with hydrosalpinx who underwent tubal occlusion before in vitro fertilization

OBJECTIVE: To report a rare case of adnexal torsion in an infertile patient with bilateral hydrosalpinges who had proximal tubal occlusion performed before IVF-ET 5 years earlier. DESIGN: A case report and literature review. SETTING: Reproductive endocrine division in a community teaching hospital. PATIENT(S): A 43-year-old infertile woman with acute left-side pelvic pain. INTERVENTION(S): Laparoscopic bilateral salpingectomies. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Diagnosis and etiology of pelvic pain with subsequent therapy to alleviate symptoms. RESULT(S): The patient experienced resolution of her pain and prophylactic prevention of further torsion status after bilateral salpingectomies. CONCLUSION(S): Although laparoscopic proximal tubal occlusion is an effective treatment of hydrosalpinges in patients undergoing IVF-ET, it carries the risk of torsion of the hydrosalpinx and the associated morbidities.     

输卵管手术对控制性超排卵时卵巢反应性的影响

目的:探讨IVF-ET中不同的输卵管手术方式对控制性超排卵(COH)过程中患者卵巢反应性的影响。方法:回顾性分析长方案超排卵IVF周期临床资料,选择397例因输卵管因素不孕患者,其中手术组176例,非手术组221例;手术组患者均因输卵管妊娠或输卵管阻塞、粘连或积水行单侧或双侧输卵管切除或输卵管修复整形手术,其中单侧输卵管切除组70例(A组),双侧输卵管切除组46例(B组),单侧输卵管整形组27例(C组),双侧输卵管整形组33例(D组);非手术组均未为双侧输卵管阻塞无积水患者,作为对照组(E组)。比较各组的临床资料、卵巢对促排卵的反应性和妊娠结局。结果:B组基础FSH值显著高于E组(P<0.05),卵泡数(直径≥15mm)、获卵数显著低于E组(P<0.05)。A组术侧卵巢卵泡数(直径≥15mm)和获卵数明显少于健侧卵巢(P<0.05)。但输卵管手术不影响IVF-ET,各组的的妊娠率和种植率无统计学差异。结论:输卵管切除降低了卵巢超排卵时的反应性,手术可能影响卵巢的血供进而影响卵巢对COH的反应。     

Effect of prolonged gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist therapy on the outcome of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer in patients with endometriosis

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of a 3-month course of GnRH agonist administered immediately before IVF-ET in infertile patients with endometriosis. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized trial. SETTING: Three tertiary care assisted reproductive technology programs. PATIENT(S): IVF-ET candidates with surgically confirmed endometriosis. INTERVENTION(S): Twenty-five patients received three courses of a long-acting GnRH agonist, 3.75 mg i.m. every 28 days, followed by standard controlled ovarian hyperstimulation. Twenty-six patients received standard controlled ovarian hyperstimulation with mid-luteal phase GnRH agonist down-regulation or microdose flare regimens. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Response to controlled ovarian hyperstimulation, ongoing pregnancy rates per cycle, group implantation rates, and implantation rate per embryo transfer procedure. RESULT(S): The extent of surgically confirmed endometriosis was greater in patients who received the long-acting GnRH regimen for 3 months before IVF-ET. The groups did not differ significantly in terms of dose or duration of gonadotropin stimulation, number of oocytes retrieved, fertilization rate, or number of embryos transferred. Patients who received the long-acting GnRH regimen had significantly higher ongoing pregnancy rates (80% vs. 53.85%) and a trend toward higher implantation rates (42.68% vs. 30.38%). CONCLUSION(S): Prolonged use of GnRH agonist before IVF-ET in patients with endometriosis resulted in significantly higher ongoing pregnancy rates than did standard controlled ovarian hyperstimulation regimens. No deleterious effect on ovarian response was observed.     

Does salpingectomy affect the ipsilateral ovarian response to gonadotropin during in vitro fertilization–embryo transfer cycles?

In a study on the influence of salpingectomy on the same patient ipsilateral ovarian response, 15 patients who were admitted to our department with the diagnosis of uni- or bilateral hydrosalpinges and who were successfully treated by laparoscopic salpingectomy were evaluated. The observed significant decrease in the ipsilateral ovarian response after salgingectomy, as reflected by the quantity of developing follicles during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation for IVF, should be presented to patients during the decision-making process, before offering salpingectomy for the treatment of hydrosalpinx.     

Is laparoscopy necessary before assisted reproductive technology?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Laparoscopy is widely used during infertility work-up, although it is sometimes unnecessary. This review highlights when laparoscopic intervention should be used in women undergoing assisted reproductive technology cycles. RECENT FINDINGS: There is no evidence for an increase in pregnancy rates in assisted reproductive technology cycles following surgical treatment of pelvic adhesions or endometriosis with laparoscopy. If the patient has bilateral visible hydrosalpinges, laparoscopy may be an option for evaluation of the tubes and treatment with salpingectomy in order to enhance the chance of pregnancy before commencing an assisted reproductive technology cycle. Laparoscopic ovarian drilling before assisted reproductive technology may be considered a therapeutic option in polycystic ovary disease patients who previously had severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. Finally, laparoscopy may be useful in replacing the transposed ovaries to their original sites in the pelvic cavity in previously treated cancer patients so that monitoring of the controlled ovarian hyperstimulation and the oocyte aspiration would be much easier during the assisted reproductive technology cycles. SUMMARY: Laparoscopy should be considered before assisted reproductive technology cycles if the procedure diagnoses and treats a pelvic pathology at the same time and if laparoscopic intervention increases the chance of pregnancy following these cycles.     

Ovarian pregnancy resulting from cornual fistulae in a woman who had undergone bilateral salpingectomy

OBJECTIVE: To report a case of ovarian pregnancy following in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) treatment for which the cornual fistulae was the most probable explanation of the cause. DESIGN: Case report. SETTING: University department and assisted reproduction unit. PATIENT(S): A 29-year-old woman with primary infertility. INTERVENTION(S): Hydrosalpinx of the bilateral fallopian tubes has been noted in patients who have decreased pregnancy rates in the IVF-ET treatment cycles. Salpingectomy before IVF cycles has been suggested to increase the pregnancy rate. We report a patient who presented with bilateral hydrosalpinx for whom bilateral salpingectomy was performed before IVF treatment. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Clinical pregnancy. RESULT(S): The treatment cycle resulted in a primary ovarian pregnancy and required laparoscopic operation. A cornual fistulae was found that have might led to ectopic implantation of the embryos. CONCLUSION(S): Ovarian pregnancy may be an unexpected complication of those receiving bilateral salpingectomy before IVF treatment. The presence of cornual fistulae after salpingectomy was probably the cause of the ectopic pregnancy.     

Treatment of infertile women with unilateral tubal occlusion by intrauterine insemination and ovarian stimulation

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the value of intrauterine insemination (IUI) combined with ovarian stimulation in women with unilateral tubal occlusion detected on hysterosalpingography (HSG).Materials and MethodsA total of 703 patients undergoing IUI and controlled ovarian hyperstimulation were enrolled in this study. The study group consisted of 133 patients treated for unilateral tubal occlusion diagnosed by HSG during 2005–2011. The control group consisted of 570 patients with unexplained infertility treated during the same period. In all cases of the retrospective study, menstrual cycles were regular, basal serum follicle-stimulating hormone levels and sperm parameters were normal.ResultsThere were no significant differences in pregnancy rate per cycle between the study (17.3%) and control groups (18.9%). The pregnancy rate was higher in patients with proximal tubal occlusion (21.7%) compared with mid-distal tubal occlusion (12.5%) or unexplained infertility (18.9%), but the difference was not statistically significant.ConclusionsInfertile patients with only unilateral proximal tubal occlusion detected on HSG can be treated initially by IUI combined with ovarian stimulation. The cycle outcomes in patients with proximal tubal occlusion are similar to patients with unexplained infertility. However, the stimulated IUI might not be a good choice for patients with unilateral mid-distal tubal occlusion because of a lower success rate, although further evidence is needed.     

Influence of various tubal surgeries to serum antimullerian hormone level and outcome of the subsequent IVF-ET treatment

Abstract

Objective: To compare the influence of various tubal surgeries to ovarian reserve via serum level of antimullerian hormone (AMH) and the subsequent in vitro fertilization and embryo transplantation (IVF-ET) outcome in patients with simple tubal infertility.

Study design: A prospective cohort study was conducted on 134 IVF cycles undegone by 26 and 34 cases with bilateral and unilateral salpingectomy, respectively, 23 cases with bilateral oviducts interrupted in the proximal and 51 cases with bilateral oviducts obstruction without intervention as controls.

Results: Serum AMH displayed its great superiority to traditional markers of ovarian reserve in correspondence with antral follicles count and decisive effect for the number of oocytes retrieved after stimulation in each group. No significant differences on ovarian reserve and responsiveness or IVF-ET outcome existed among four groups comparable on essential characteristics, except for numerically higher clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate after various tubal surgeries versus no intervention for bilateral oviducts obstruction. Especially, bilateral salpingectomy precursed the statistically highest implantation rate (51.0% versus 28.0%, 39.1%, 30.4%) and numerically best IVF outcome.

Conclusion: Tubal surgical procedures have some beneficial effect for improving IVF outcome without significant impact on ovarian reserve or responsiveness. Bilateral salpingectomy appears to be an appropriate procedure before IVF treatment for bilateral salpingitis, especially hydrosalpinx.     

体外受精与胚胎移植前输卵管积水的处理

目的　探讨输卵管积水的处理方法对此后的体外受精与胚胎移植 (IVF-ET)治疗效果的影响。方法　回顾分析 1999年 2月至 2001年 4月期间中山大学附属第一医院生殖医学中心 73例有输卵管积水病史者行IVF-ET治疗的 79个周期的资料。根据在IVF-ET前对患者的输卵管积水的处理方式分A组 27个周期 (25例 ):未经手术治疗行IVF ET;B组 25个周期(23例):已行双侧输卵管切除术;C组 27个周期 (25例 ):已行输卵管积水造口术。D组:以同期因其他输卵管因素行IVF-ET治疗的 913个周期 (875例 )的资料作为对照。结果　B组获卵数最少,较C、D组差异有显著意义(P<0.05);各组的胚胎植入率分别为 9 4%、11.5%、21.2%和 17.4%,A组与C、D组间差异有显著意义(P<0.05)。各组的流产率分别为 50.0%、33.3%、25.0%和 15.3%,A组与D组间的差异有显著意义(P<0.05)。结论　输卵管积水对IVF-ET的胚胎植入构成不良影响,并增加流产的发生,在采用IVF-ET前对输卵管积水进行适当处理,有助于提高胚胎植入率,改善治疗效果。较之输卵管切除术,输卵管造口术对卵巢功能的影响可能更小。     

Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation does not adversely affect endometrial receptivity in in vitro fertilization cycles

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether exposure of developing endometrium to supraphysiologic E2 levels during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) in IVF cycles inhibits endometrial receptivity. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of IVF-ET and ovum donation data. SETTING: Tertiary-care teaching hospital. PATIENT(S): Four hundred ten patients <33 years of age undergoing IVF-ET and 181 anonymous ovum donors (<33 years of age) and their associated ovum recipients. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Implantation, pregnancy, and delivery rates. RESULT(S): Ovarian response to COH (duration of stimulation, peak E2 level, area under the curve for E2 exposure, and number of oocytes retrieved) was similar for IVF-ET patients and ovum donors. Donors were younger than IVF-ET patients (mean age, 27.5 +/- 0.2 years vs. 30.4 +/- 0.1 years). A similar number of embryos with similar number of blastomeres were transferred in IVF-ET patients and ovum recipients. The fragmentation rate at time of transfer differed slightly between groups (5.2 +/- 0.2% vs. 4.3 +/- 0.3%). Implantation, pregnancy, and delivery rates did not differ between IVF-ET patients and recipients of donor oocytes. CONCLUSION(S): Exposure of the developing endometrium to controlled ovarian hyperstimulation during IVF cycles does not inhibit embryo implantation or affect pregnancy and delivery rates.     

Influence of age, diagnosis, and cycle number on pregnancy rates with gonadotropin-induced controlled ovarian hyperstimulation and intrauterine insemination.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether age, diagnosis, and cycle number influence cycle fecundity associated with gonadotropin-induced controlled ovarian hyperstimulation/IUI. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis. SETTING: The Center for Reproductive Medicine at the Brigham and Women's Hospital, a tertiary care academic medical center. PATIENT(S): Two hundred seventy-four women who underwent controlled ovarian hyperstimulation with gonadotropins and IUI. INTERVENTION(S): Infertility treatment with gonadotropins and IUI. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Pregnancy rates according to patient age, infertility diagnosis, and number of treatment cycles. RESULT(S): Pregnancy rates decreased with increasing patient age. The cumulative pregnancy rates varied greatly by diagnosis from 13% for patients with male factor infertility to 84% for patients with ovulatory factor infertility. Average cycle fecundity was considerably less varied by diagnosis. All pregnancies among patients with male factor infertility and tubal factor infertility were achieved during the first two cycles. CONCLUSION(S): There is a clear age-related decline in fecundity associated with gonadotropin-induced controlled ovarian hyperstimulation/IUI. Patients <40 years of age and those with male factor infertility or tubal factor infertility have a particularly poor prognosis.     

Early pituitary desensitization and ovarian suppression with leuprolide acetate is associated with in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer success

OBJECTIVE: To determine if the timing of the onset of pituitary desensitization and ovarian suppression using follicular phase leuprolide acetate (LA) is associated with in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) success for pregnancy. DESIGN: Retrospective series of IVF patients undergoing pituitary desensitization and ovarian suppression before beginning controlled ovarian hyperstimulation for IVF-ET. SETTING: Tertiary infertility practice. PATIENTS: Seventy-eight women for 80 cycles began LA on day 1 of their menstrual cycle. After 11 days of LA, 47 (59%) cycles in group I had suppressed serum estradiol (E2) levels less than 40 pg/mL, in contrast to 33 (41%) cycles in group II not adequately suppressed, thereby requiring additional days to achieve suppression. INTERVENTIONS: Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation was started when patients were satisfactorily suppressed, i.e., E2 less than 40 pg/mL. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Mean E2 response, ampules of human menopausal gonadotropin, cancellation rates, number of oocytes retrieved, fertilization rates, and pregnancy rates (PRs) per cycle were examined between groups I and II. RESULTS: Group I demonstrated a greater mean E2 response on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin 1,735 pg/mL versus 1,470 pg/mL (P = 0.008), a greater fertilization rate 64% versus 55% (P = 0.02), and a higher PR per cycle 34% versus 12% (P = 0.036) compared with group II. CONCLUSIONS: Women who achieved desensitization-suppression within 11 days of initiating LA demonstrated a more favorable outcome for IVF-ET than those who did not.     

How to treat hydrosalpinges: IVF as the treatment of choice

Two treatment options are available for patients suffering from tubal infertility due to hydrosalpinges. Surgical distal tubal repair is appropriate only for patients with preserved tubal mucosa, otherwise the subsequent intrauterine pregnancy rate is unacceptably low and the ectopic pregnancy rate too high. The alternative treatment, IVF, has also demonstrated low success rate in patients with untreated hydrosalpinges, possibly due to leakage of fluid into the uterus. Salpingectomy has been suggested as a method to overcome the negative influence of the hydrosalpingeal fluid on implantation and embryo development. A randomized controlled trial in Scandinavia has demonstrated a benefit of salpingectomy in patients with hydrosalpinges that were large enough to be visible on ultrasound. If only the first cycle was considered, patients having undergone salpingectomy expressed significantly higher clinical pregnancy (46% versus 22%) and birth (40% versus 17%) rates. It is concluded that patients with large hydrosalpinges and without prospect of spontaneous conception should be recommended salpingectomy, which truly increases their chances of a successful IVF treatment.