A comparison of the transient hyperprolactinaemic stress response obtained using two different methods of analgesia for ultrasound-guided transvaginal oocyte retrieval.

Transient hyperprolactinaemia has been shown to accompany the procedure of oocyte retrieval under laparoscopic control. This study was concerned with establishing whether transvaginal oocyte retrieval was also associated with hyperprolactinaemia and whether the hyperprolactinaemic response was dependent on the method of anaesthesia/analgesia employed. Two distinct patterns were recorded. Oocyte retrieval under general anaesthesia was accompanied by a rapid rise in prolactin levels, which peaked after 40 min. Oocyte retrieval under intravenous sedation was associated with a slow rise in circulating prolactin concentrations. Significant differences in the prolactin rise between the general anaesthesia and sedation groups appeared within 10 min of the start of the procedure. It is concluded that although the surgical stress of oocyte recovery is associated with mild transient hyperprolactinaemia, most of the hyperprolactinaemic response is due to the anaesthetic.