Ultrasound-Guided Trans-Abdominal Oocyte Retrieval During in Vitro Fertilization: Applicability and Safety of a Necessary Intervention in Nigeria

Background: Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation and oocyte retrieval are key stages in the in vitro fertilization process. If developing follicles are difficult to access or visualize using the preferred imaging method (transvaginal ultrasound scan), careful monitoring with transabdominal ultrasound and oocyte retrieval may be required to avoid cycle cancellation and enhance in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment success. This study aimed to assess the feasibility, pregnancy outcomes and presence of risk factors among a cohort of women who had transabdominal oocyte retrieval during their IVF treatment process Methods: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study carried out at Kingswill Specialist Hospital, Lagos Nigeria from January 2020 to December 2023. Medical records of women who had transabdominal oocyte retrieval (TAOR) were retrieved and variables such as socio-demographic variables, indications and pregnancy outcomes were analysed. Results: Fifty-seven women had TAOR during the study period. The mean age of the women was 36.2 ± 4.28 SD years. Their mean weight was 86.0kg ± 14.79 SD. Twenty-six (45.6%) had pelvic masses, 50.9% had previous pelvic surgeries. There were 21 (36.8%) conceptions, 38 (66%) live births and 5.2% miscarriages. Conclusion: Couples’ desire to conceive continues to pose a significant challenge in sub-Saharan Africa, where wealth and strength are sometimes equated to family size, often accompanied by substantial social, psychological, and economic consequences for affected individuals. When IVF treatment cycles are cancelled due to inaccessible oocytes, these burdens are further intensified, sometimes with severe psychological and financial repercussions. To improve outcomes and enhance patient satisfaction and safety, it is essential to prioritize careful patient selection, thorough evaluation of key clinical factors, and the customization of care. In this context, transabdominal oocyte retrieval has been observed to be a potentially safe and necessary intervention. However, the small sample size of 57 patients limits the ability to draw definitive conclusions about its safety and efficacy, and the absence of a control group restricts the ability to compare outcomes relative to transvaginal oocyte retrieval (TVOR) patients.