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Epidural anesthesia in anin vitro fertilization and embryo transfer program

Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics volume 12, pages 187–190 (1995)Cite this article

Abstract

Objectives

To investigate the potential advantages of epidural anesthesia in an in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer program.

Study Design

Between January 1991 and December 1992, 148 infertile patients underwent transvaginal ultrasound guided oocyte retrieval. A total of 44 patients (group A) had 50 retrievals under epidural anesthesia, and 104 patients (group B, control group) 112 retrievals under intravenous sedation (propofol) with mask-assisted ventilation (nitrous oxide).

Results

In group A satisfactory anesthesia was achieved in 49 of the 50 cases (98%); one patient required additional intravenous administration of propofol owing to extreme anxiety. No complications were observed. Adversely, in group B nausea was observed in 16 cases (14%) and nausea and vomiting in 7 cases (6%). In group A the fertilization, cleavage and pregnancy rates were 67.2%, 92% and 20% respectively, while in group B the rates were 69.3%, 93% and 19.6% respectively; the differences are not statistically significant.

Conclusions

Epidural anesthesia is an effective method for transvaginal oocyte retrieval but does not improve the treatment outcome as compared to an intravenous sedation with mask-assisted ventilation using propofol and nitrous oxide.

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Author information

Affiliations

  1. Ecocenter and Fertility Center, Clinica “C. G. Ruesch”, via Maria Cristina di Savoia 39, 80122, Napoli, Italy

    Giuseppe Botta, Aldo D'Angelo, Giovanni D'Ari & Gianfranco Merlino

  2. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia

    Michael Chapman

  3. Academic Unit of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, London Hospital Medical College, London, UK

    Gedis Grudzinskas

Authors
  1. Giuseppe Botta
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  2. Aldo D'Angelo
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  3. Giovanni D'Ari
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  4. Gianfranco Merlino
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  5. Michael Chapman
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  6. Gedis Grudzinskas
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Botta, G., D'Angelo, A., D'Ari, G. et al. Epidural anesthesia in anin vitro fertilization and embryo transfer program. J Assist Reprod Genet 12, 187–190 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02211796

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02211796

Key words

  • anesthesia
  • IVF-ET
  • epidural anesthesia
  • transvaginal oocyte retrieval