[Transvaginal gamete intrafallopian transfer: an analysis of 42 cases].

OBJECTIVE

To develop the technique of transvaginal gamete intrafallopian transfer (TV-GIFT) and to evaluate its effectiveness.

METHODS

From May, 1996 to October, 1997, 42 infertile patients with at least one tube patent, proven by hysterosalpingography were included. In 43 cycles, ovarian stimulation was performed by using follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG)/hCG or hMG/hCG program. Oocytes retrieval was performed by transvaginal ultrasound guided needle aspiration. Semen samples were prepared by modified swim-up method. The Jansen-Andersen tubal catheter was introduced into a fallopian tube transvaginally, and the gametes were injected into the tube.

RESULTS

Transvaginal cannulation was successfully performed in 67.4% of cases. The mean number of oocytes transferred was 4.0 +/- 0.9 (2-6) per cycle. 13 cases obtained clinical pregnancy (30.2% per cycle), 9 given birth with 5 twin pregnancies (altogether 13 babies), 4 spontaneous abortions.

CONCLUSIONS

TV-GIFT offers an acceptable pregnancy rate for patient with at least one patent tube. The procedure is simple and easy to perform and therefore, is worth to recommend for the treatment of infertility.