title: Gamete intrafallopian transfer by hysteroscopy as an alternative treatment for infertility.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate efficacy and safety of the hysteroscopic cannulation by flexible catheter of the fallopian tubes for gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT).
  
  
  METHODS
  We studied the pregnancy rate (PR) and the safety of this new technique.
  
  
  METHODS
  All patients were enlisted for GIFT at our Reproductive Medicine Unit.
  
  
  METHODS
  We treated 26 patients whose infertility causes were terminal tubal damage, male factors, unexplained factors, and endometriosis. Patients with uterine tubal ostia unsuitable for gamete transfer or cervical incontinence were not included in the group.
  
  
  METHODS
  The patients underwent ovulation induction and oocyte retrieval by transvaginal ultrasonically guided puncture. The gamete transfers were carried out by hysteroscopic procedure using a flexible catheter put through the operating channel.
  
  
  METHODS
  The efficacy was evaluated by the PR (25.9%).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Seven clinical pregnancies were obtained, but two patients aborted during the first weeks of pregnancy. No ectopic pregnancies were observed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our results indicate that hysteroscopic GIFT is an alternative, safe, effective, and not invasive technique for fertility problems.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Bologna, Italy.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Possati
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Seracchioli
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Melega
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pareschi
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Maccolini
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Flamigni
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D015181:Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D015907:Hysteroscopy; D007246:Infertility / Q000628:therapy*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome