Low tubal ovum transfer; an alternative to in vitro fertilization.

In monkeys having previously undergone bilateral resection and ligatin of the ampullary region of the fallopian tubes, the oocyte was aspirated from the preovulatory follicle and injected into the fallopian tube 1 to 2 cm above the uterotubal junction. These monkeys were mated the day prior to and the day after low tubal ovum transfer. Detection of macaque chorionic gonadotropin in serum and urine indicated that pregnancy had been initiated in 5 to 31 attempts (16.1%); these implantations were intrauterine rather than ectopic (tubal). Our findings suggest that low tubal ovum transfer has potential as an alternative to in vitro fertilization where proximal tubal function has been retained. Furthermore, this procedure permits preservation of in vivo fertilization and its inherent efficiency.