The objectives of this review are to identify and characterize attempts to transfer ectopic embryos to the uterus, and to understand arguments for and against the feasibility of such an intervention.
Methods
An electronic literature search involved all English language articles published in MEDLINE (1948-), Web of Science (1899-), and Scopus (1960-) before July 1, 2022. Articles were included that identify or describe attempts to transfer the embryo from its ectopic location to the uterine cavity, or discuss the feasibility of such an intervention; there were no exclusion criteria (PROSPERO registration number CRD42022364913).
Results
The initial search yielded 3060 articles; 8 articles were included. Of these, two articles were case reports that described the successful transfer of the embryo from its ectopic location to the uterus, followed by term births; both cases involved laparotomy with salpingostomy, followed by transfer of the embryonic sac into the uterine cavity through an opening made in the uterine wall. The other six articles varied in type, and provided a number of arguments for and against the feasibility of such a procedure.
Conclusions
The evidence and arguments identified in this review may help manage expectations for those interested in transferring an ectopically implanted embryo in the hope of continuing the pregnancy, but who are uncertain about the extent to which such a procedure has been attempted or may be possible. Isolated case reports, with no evidence of replication, should be interpreted with the utmost caution and do not constitute a procedure for clinical use.
ectopic pregnancy embryo transfer uterus systematic review, ectopic embryo reimplantation uterine cavity feasibility, salpingostomy ectopic embryo transfer laparotomy case report, Thomas Donovan Buskmiller ectopic embryo transfer, ectopic pregnancy surgical transfer uterus live birth, ectopic pregnancy treatment alternatives embryo preservation, tubal ectopic embryo reimplantation uterine cavity, ectopic pregnancy conservative management embryo transfer, ethics ectopic pregnancy embryo transfer feasibility, ectopic pregnancy salpingostomy embryo reimplantation term birth
PMID 37194373 37194373 DOI 10.1111/jog.15678 10.1111/jog.15678
Cite this article
Thomas, C., Donovan, G. K., Fernandez, M. A., & Cara Buskmiller (2023). Efforts to transfer ectopic embryos to the uterine cavity: A systematic review. The journal of obstetrics and gynaecology research, 49(8), 1991-1999. https://doi.org/10.1111/jog.15678
Thomas C, Donovan GK, Fernandez MA, Cara Buskmiller. Efforts to transfer ectopic embryos to the uterine cavity: A systematic review. J Obstet Gynaecol Res. 2023;49(8):1991-1999. doi:10.1111/jog.15678
Thomas, C., et al. "Efforts to transfer ectopic embryos to the uterine cavity: A systematic review." The journal of obstetrics and gynaecology research, vol. 49, no. 8, 2023, pp. 1991-1999.
Turner JV, 2021·The journal of obstetrics and gynaecology research
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PCOSMetabolic SyndromeRotterdam CriteriaVisceral Adiposity Index
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