title: Endoscopic visualization of oocyte release and oocyte retrieval in humans.
abstract: Transvaginal hydrolaparoscopy (THL) allows the inspection of the tubo-ovarian structures in their natural position without supplementary manipulation. Saline is used at 37 degrees C as distension medium, which keeps the organs afloat. Using this technique it was possible to visualize and record for the first time the process of oocyte release and capture by the fimbriae in humans. THL was performed in the peri-ovulatory period, in order to collect data that would give a better insight into events at the moment of ovulation.
authors.affiliation: Leuven Institute for Fertility and Embryology, Tiensevest 168, 3000 Leuven, Belgium. life@lifeleuven.be
authors.forename: Stephan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gordts
authors.forename: Rudi
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Campo
authors.forename: Ivo
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Brosens
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004624:Embryo Transfer; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000473:pathology; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007246:Infertility / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008597:Menstrual Cycle; D009865:Oocytes / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology*; D006080:Ovarian Follicle / Q000502:physiology*; D010053:Ovary / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D010060:Ovulation / Q000502:physiology*; D013997:Time Factors; D014621:Vagina / Q000502:physiology