Evaluation of complications developing during and after transvaginal ultrasound — guided oocyte retrieval

To investigate the complications of the oocyte retrieval procedure currently used in in vitro fertilisation.

We examined 1.031 patients who underwent oocyte retrieval in the IVF unit of our hospital for complications developed during and after the procedure.

No complications developed related to sedation or general anaesthesia. Vaginal bleeding was observed in 3.1% of the patients. There was no intra-abdominal bleeding or pelvic organ injuries requiring surgery. Two patients developed pelvic abscesses. Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) occurred in 1.45% of the patients. Almost all of the patients tolerated the oocyte retrieval process well. After the procedure, only 2% of the patients described their pain as severe, and 0.4% as the worst pain they had ever experienced.

The most common complication during oocyte retrieval is vaginal bleeding, which is largely controlled by buffer application. In conclusion, the oocyte retrieval process can be considered a safe procedure.