Transabdominal ultrasound-guided oocyte retrieval for oocyte cryopreservation using a vaginal probe: a comparison of applicability, effectiveness, and safety with conventional transvaginal approach

Purpose: We aimed to compare the feasibility, effectiveness, and safety of transabdominal ultrasound-guided oocyte retrieval (TUGOR) using a vaginal probe and traditional vaginal approach in virgin patients undergoing oocyte cryopreservation.

Methods: A total of 116 virgin patients who underwent transabdominal ultrasound-guided oocyte retrieval using a vaginal ultrasound probe and 33 patients matched for BMI, antral follicle count, age, day 3 FSH, estradiol, and AMH who underwent vaginal approach were enrolled. Mean number of total oocytes collected, mean number of cryopreserved MII oocytes, duration of the procedure, duration of stimulation, mean gonadotropin consumption, mature oocyte ratio, and a modified follicle-oocyte index were compared between the groups.

Results: No statistical difference was found between the groups in mean number of follicles > 12 mm (4.62 ± 4.54 vs. 5.44 ± 4.52), mean number of oocytes collected (4.44 ± 4.14 vs. 5.33 ± 4.52), mean number of cryopreserved MII oocytes (4.01 ± 3.67 vs. 4.53 ± 4.13), mean duration of the procedure (12.4 ± 1.2 vs. 13.4 ± 1.6 min), mean days of stimulation (8.05 ± 1.91 vs. 8.35 ± 1.72 days), mean gonadotropin consumption (1507.9 ± 475.3 vs. 1571.74 ± 404.6 units), mature oocyte ratio (0.78 ± 0.24 vs. 0.82 ± 0.26), and modified follicle oocyte index (0.86 ± 0.63 vs. 0.84 ± 0.19). In the TUGOR group, superficial epigastric artery injury occurred in two patients and resolved spontaneously.

Conclusion: Transabdominal oocyte retrieval using a vaginal ultrasound is a safe, effective, and feasible method of oocyte retrieval in some selected patient groups.