title: Gamete intra-fallopian transfer combined with diagnostic laparoscopy: a treatment for infertility in a district hospital.
abstract: Gamete intra-Fallopian transfer (GIFT) was combined with a diagnostic laparoscopy on a routine operating list in a district general hospital. The equipment used was entirely portable. Operations were programmed 6-12 weeks in advance using a fixed ovarian stimulation regimen. Of 47 patients treated, 38 (81%) responded appropriately to stimulation. Of these, 23 had partners with normal semen parameters and 5 of 21 (24%) who had GIFT conceived. Two others were found to have tubal damage. Their eggs were transported to an in-vitro fertilization unit at another hospital. Both conceived after embryo transfer. In 15 couples, the semen was found to be sub-optimal and none of these became pregnant. GIFT can be performed in a district hospital, on a fixed schedule in conjunction with a diagnostic laparoscopy. The technique appears unsuitable for patients with suboptimal semen and the backing of an in-vitro fertilization unit increases pregnancy rates.
authors.affiliation: Academic Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, King's College School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, UK.
authors.forename: J S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Pampiglione
authors.forename: V N
authors.initials: VN
authors.lastname: Bolton
authors.forename: J H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Parsons
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Campbell
mesh_terms: D002996:Clomiphene / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D015181:Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer / Q000379:methods*; D006767:Hospitals, District; D006801:Humans; D007246:Infertility / Q000628:therapy*; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008596:Menotropins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009640:Norethindrone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010062:Ovulation Induction
chemical_list: D002996:Clomiphene; D008596:Menotropins; D009640:Norethindrone