Effect of salpingectomy on ovarian response to superovulation in an in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer program.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effect of salpingectomy on the response of each ovary in patients undergoing an IVF-ET treatment cycle and to compare the results with those of patients who had not had surgery and were undergoing IVF-ET during the same period.


METHODS
A prospective study.


METHODS
Tertiary referral academic IVF unit.


METHODS
Twenty-nine ET cycles were evaluated in 29 patients who previously had undergone unilateral salpingectomy because of ectopic pregnancy (study group). Seventy-three patients with unexplained or male factor infertility served as controls.


METHODS
Ovulation induction and IVF-ET.


METHODS
In the study group, mean ovarian volume, number of follicles, and number of oocytes recovered from each ovary were assessed and compared. The overall results, cycle characteristics, and pregnancy rates of the two groups were compared.


RESULTS
Among the patients who had undergone salpingectomy, significantly fewer follicles developed and consequently fewer oocytes were retrieved from the ovary on the operated side (4.4 versus 8.2 follicles and 3.8 versus 6.0 oocytes). There were no differences in the total numbers of follicles and oocytes recovered from both ovaries, the cycle characteristics, or the pregnancy rates between study and control groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Salpingectomy has no detrimental effect on the total ovarian performance during IVF-ET treatment or on the outcome of IVF-ET. However, the ipsilateral ovary could be adversely affected. This could be detrimental in selected patients undergoing IVF-ET, in whom the second ovary already is compromised or missing.
Lass
A
A
Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Royal Postgraduate Medical School, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom. amir.lass.gb_cbg01@serono.com
Ellenbogen
A
A
Croucher
C
C
Trew
G
G
Margara
R
R
Becattini
C
C
Winston
R M
RM
D000328:Adult; D002064:Buserelin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004624:Embryo Transfer; D005187:Fallopian Tubes / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005300:Fertility Agents, Female / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D006801:Humans; D010053:Ovary / Q000502:physiology*; D010062:Ovulation Induction / Q000379:methods; D011247:Pregnancy; D018873:Pregnancy Rate; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011966:Receptors, LHRH / Q000819:agonists; D013480:Superovulation
D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin; D005300:Fertility Agents, Female; D011966:Receptors, LHRH; D002064:Buserelin