Bilateral salpingectomy does not compromise ovarian stimulation in an in-vitro fertilization/embryo transfer programme.

The question whether salpingectomy has a negative influence on ovarian function and the outcome of pregnancy in an in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and embryo transfer treatment programme is not yet answered. We performed a retrospective case-control study to investigate the possible negative effect of salpingectomy on ovarian response to human menopausal gonadotrophins (HMG) during IVF and embryo transfer. The study group was composed of 26 patients with bilateral salpingectomy. In 67 cycles we analysed different parameters of ovulation such as the number of days of ovarian stimulation, numbers of ampoules of HMG, pre-ovulatory oestradiol concentrations and the numbers of oocytes retrieved. These parameters were compared to a control group of 134 cycles in 134 women with healthy Fallopian tubes. No differences were found. Implantation ratio, pregnancy rate and outcome were the same in both groups. We conclude that bilateral salpingectomy had no detrimental effect on ovarian performance during IVF and embryo transfer treatment nor on the outcome.