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Does Oocyte Retrieval Performance in Mono-follicular Cycles Differ by Physician Experience?

  • Infertility: Original Article
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Abstract

Oocyte pick-up (OPU) is considered as a minor surgical procedure and complications are very rare when performed by trained physicians. However, data on training standards are limited and assessment of proficiency is challenging. The aim of this study was to show the impact of physician experience on OPU performance in mono-follicular in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles, using two measurable outcome parameters: successful oocyte retrieval and operative time. Senior physicians (n = 6) had over 15 years of experience and novice physicians (n = 4) had at least 30 procedures under supervision. The study population included 226 mono-follicular cycles. Oocyte retrieval was successful in 179 out 226 procedures (79.2%); seniors and novices achieved similar oocyte retrieval rates (74.1%, 43/58 vs 80.9%, 136/168, p = 0.270). The mean duration of the procedure was 513.4 ± 163.1 (126–769) s. It was significantly shorter with a mean difference of − 117.9 s (95% CI: − 164.4 to − 71.3, p = 0.0001, Hedges g = 1.3) for senior physicians when compared to novices (425.8 ± 146.2 versus 543.7 ± 157.9 s). Novices who start performing OPU independently after 30 supervised procedures perform well in collecting the single oocyte grown in mono-follicular cycles; however, the mean duration of the procedure is relatively longer compared to seniors. After initial training period, physicians have few opportunities to compare themselves with their seniors and peers; periodical reassessment of the technique—which should also cover managing the operation time—would help confirm their own practices.

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Acknowledgements

Oguzhan Oguz, Muge Ateskan Tasdemir, Fazilet Ertas.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centre for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, American Hospital, Tesvikiye mahallesi, Guzelbahce sokak No:20, 34365, Sisli, Istanbul, Turkey

    Sinem Ertas, Bulent Urman & Kayhan Yakın

  2. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Koc University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey

    Bulent Urman & Kayhan Yakın

Authors
  1. Sinem Ertas
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  2. Bulent Urman
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  3. Kayhan Yakın
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Correspondence to Sinem Ertas.

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The local research ethics committee approved the study (Approval number: 2020.181.IRB1.049).

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All authors declare that they have given consent for this article publication.

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The authors declare no competing interests.

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Ertas, S., Urman, B. & Yakın, K. Does Oocyte Retrieval Performance in Mono-follicular Cycles Differ by Physician Experience?. Reprod. Sci. 29, 2995–2999 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s43032-022-00971-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s43032-022-00971-6

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