Results from transabdominal ultrasonic guided aspiration of follicles in non-accessible ovaries

Aim of study: To report transabdominal ultrasonic guided oocyte retrieval being a feasible, effective, and safe method for collection of oocytes from transvaginally inaccessible ovaries Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients aged 18–45 years in IVF/ICSI treatment during the years 2000 to 2021. Records from cycles where transabdominal collection was carried out were included using a registration number for transabdominal collection and the following data were extracted for evaluation: number of oocytes collected, after human choriogonadotropin (hCG) (as a marker of pregnancy), number of transferred embryos, age, BMI, cycle number, and complications including bleeding and infection. The indications for transabdominal oocyte retrieval were difficulties in visualizing ovaries transvaginal either due fibroids or obesity which in both cases might displace an ovary from the female pelvis. We found a significant higher BMI and cycle number and found reduced number of oocytes collected and embryos transferred amongst patients having oocytes collected transabdominally and a higher cycle number. We observed no bleeding or infections in any of the groups. Conclusion: Trans abdominal oocyte retrieval is a feasible, effective, and safe method of oocyte retrieval for the purpose of fertility preservation or in patients with inaccessible ovaries via the transvaginal route undergoing IVF.