Follicular aspiration: a comparison of an ultrasonic endovaginal transducer with fixed needle guide and other retrieval methods.

Ultrasonic techniques have been developed as alternatives to conventional laparoscopic aspiration for oocyte retrieval for in vitro fertilization (IVF). Given the advantages (less risk, lower cost, and greater patient acceptance) of these alternative techniques, it is appropriate to assess their efficacy compared with traditional laparoscopic retrieval. This article examines the recovery rate of oocytes and their subsequent fertilization rate with the use of an ultrasonic endovaginal transducer with fixed needle guide and compares these results with other retrieval methods. Comparisons were made between laparoscopic harvesting (n = 71, group I), ultrasonic transabdominal transvesical (n = 21, group II), and ultrasonic vaginal transducer (n = 76, group III). The data demonstrate comparable success using an ultrasonic endovaginal transducer with fixed needle guide. The authors believe this technique to be the procedure of choice for all routine oocyte retrievals during IVF treatment.