Comparison of unilateral and bilateral tubal transfer in gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT)

Abstract

Gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT) is traditionally performed by delivering gametes into the ampullary region of either one or two fallopian tubes. The choice is made by the surgeon at the time of laparoscopy based upon the patient's anatomy, the number of oocytes available, and clinical judgment. In this nonrandomized, retrospective review, 399 tubal gamete transfers were performed over a period of 18 months, 133 to a single tube and 266 to both tubes. A clinical pregnancy rate of approximately 24% was observed in each modality. The multiple pregnancy rate of 31.3% for one tube was not significantly different from the 25% seen for two tubes. Unilateral tubal transfer offers the distinct advantages of less gamete and tissue handling. This, along with the apparent same outcome parameters, makes unilateral tubal transfer the preferred method of returning gametes at GIFT.