Cervical dilatation with hygroscopic rods prior to ovarian stimulation facilitates embryo transfer.
BACKGROUND
Embryo transfer is a critical factor affecting the success of IVF-the ease of embryo transfer has a direct impact on the success rate. The aim of this study was to assess the value of cervical dilatation with hygroscopic cervical rods (Dilapan-S) in patients with difficult embryo transfer.


METHODS
Fifty-four patients undergoing IVF treatment, who either failed to conceive after previous difficult embryo transfer or were noted to have difficult mock embryo transfer were retrospectively included in the study. In this way the patients acted as control for themselves. The Dilapan-S rods were placed intracervically and left for 4 h prior to starting gonadotrophin stimulation as an outpatient procedure.


RESULTS
Of the 54 patients who originally had difficult embryo transfer, 43 patients (79.5%) had subsequent easy embryo transfer. Thirty patients managed to conceive, giving a clinical pregnancy rate of 55%.


CONCLUSIONS
Cervical dilatation using hygroscopic dilators facilitates difficult embryo transfer and helps to improve the pregnancy rate.
Serhal
Paul
P
The Assisted Conception Unit, University College London Hospitals, 25 Grafton Way, London WC1E 6DB, UK. paul.serhal@uclh.org
Ranieri
Domenico Massimo
DM
Khadum
Iffat
I
Wakim
Rami Antoine
RA
D000022:Abortion, Spontaneous / Q000453:epidemiology; D000328:Adult; D002064:Buserelin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002584:Cervix Uteri; D004106:Dilatation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D010064:Embryo Implantation; D004624:Embryo Transfer; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D006801:Humans; D010062:Ovulation Induction; D011247:Pregnancy; D018873:Pregnancy Rate; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D002064:Buserelin