The objective was to compare the endometrial thickness (ET) in a frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycle between transdermal and vaginal estrogen. Our secondary objectives were to compare the patient satisfaction and the pregnancy outcomes. Prospective monocentric cohort study between 01/2017 and 12/2017 at a single institution. Choice of administration was left to the patient. 119 cycles had transdermal estrogen (T-group) and 199 had vaginal estrogen (V-group). The ET at 10 ± 1 days of treatment was significantly higher in the T-group compared to the V-group (9.9 vs 9.3 mm, p = 0.03). In the T-group, the mean duration of treatment was shorter (13.6 vs 15.5 days, p < 0.001). The rate of cycle cancelation was comparable between the two groups (12.6% vs 8.5%, p = 0.24). Serum estradiol levels were significantly lower (268 vs 1332 pg/ml, p < 0.001), and serum LH levels were significantly higher (12.1 ± 16.5 vs 5 ± 7.5 mIU/ml, p < 0.001) in the T-group. Patient satisfaction was higher in the T-group (p = 0.04) and 85.7% (36/42) of women who had received both treatments preferred the transdermal over the vaginal route. Live birth rates were comparable between the two groups (18% vs 19%, p = 0.1). Transdermal estrogen in artificial FET cycles was associated with higher ET, shorter treatment duration and better tolerance.
Background
The learning curve cumulative summation test (LC CUSUM test) allows to define an individualized learning curve and determine the moment when clinical proficiency is attained. After acquisition of the skills, the cumulative summation test (CUSUM test) allows to monitor the maintenance of the required level over time. The LC CUSUM test has been frequently used in the field of Obstetrics and Gynecology (Ob/Gyn) for several procedures, but only once for OR.
Methods
We performed a retrospective study at Angers university hospital between May 2017 and September 2018. Seven Ob/Gyn residents and 5 senior physicians were included, and all OR performed during that time (n = 690) were analyzed. The performance index assessed was the oocyte retrieval rate (ORR), defined as the ratio of oocytes retrieved to follicles aspirated. We used the LC CUSUM test to analyze the learning curves of residents, and the CUSUM test to monitor the performance of senior physicians. An ORR ≥50% in 60% of retrievals was defined as the threshold for clinical proficiency.
Results
Six hundred seventy-four oocyte retrieval (OR) were included: 315 were performed by residents, 220 by senior physicians, and 139 by both residents and physicians (mixed retrievals). Four residents (57%) reached the threshold after aspirating 82, 67, 53 and 46 ovaries, respectively. The mean number of ovaries aspirated in order to reach clinical proficiency was 62, and the mean number of weeks needed was 21. The duration of the learning period varied between 26 and 80 days. Two senior physicians (40%) remained proficient across the duration of the study, while two physicians (40%) had one statistically “suboptimal” OR, and one physician (20%) had two suboptimal retrievals.
Conclusion
There is a large variability in the duration of the learning period and the number of procedures needed for a resident to master OR. Senior physicians maintain an adequate performance.
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