Short-term medical complications of 1500 oocyte retrievals for in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer

Objective: to evaluate the different short-term complications after in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer. Design: a retrospective study on 7 years in the fertility clinic of an university hospital. Materials and methods: short-term medical complications were analysed after 1500 transvaginal ultrasonographically guided oocyte retrievals. Results: ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (1.8%), pelvic infections (0.4%), intraperitoneal bleeding (0.2%) and adnexal torsions (0.13%) were observed. One case of adnexal torsion occurred during pregnancy (0.18%). Two unusual case of bowel endometriosis were encountered (0.13%). Conclusions: short-term medical complications after in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer are rare (2.8%). This contrast with the high rate of multifetal pregnancies which increases maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality and must be considered as the major complication of in vitro fertilization treatment. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd.