Selection and assessment of patients for microsurgery and in-vitro fertilization

Conclusion

It is my opinion that both microsurgery and IVF have very definite and important roles to play in the management of the infertile couple. The indications for microsurgery are more confined but at present time overall results are better than from IVF. Also many patients following surgery conceive second or third children with no further treatment. There is also undoubtedly a place for microsurgery in the IVF management prior to ovum retrieval. However IVF is a therapy suitable for a much wider range of couples and infertility problems. At present time success rates are varied but in many areas they can be expected to improve.