Optimal time interval between laparoscopic tubal ligation for hydrosalpinges and ICSI-ET

Abstract

Objective: To determine the optimal time interval between performing laparoscopic tubal ligation for hydrosalpinges and an ICSI-ET treatment cycle. Design: A retrospective cohort study. Setting: Private infertility clinic. Patient(s): The study group included 69 infertile women who had laparoscopic tubal ligation for hydrosalpinges. 41 patients (group A) had an ICSI-ET cycle 16 weeks after surgery. Intervention(s): laparoscopic tubal ligation and ICSI-ET. Main outcome measure(s): Pregnancy rate, clinical pregnancy rate and implantation rate. Result(s): Pregnancy rates were 39%, 50% and 50%, clinical pregnancy rates 31.7%, 45% and 50%, and implantation rates 14.8%, 21.5% and 18% for groups A, B and C respectively. Conclusion(s): Although the reduction in pregnancy rate, clinical pregnancy rate and implantation rate in Group A, as compared Groups B and C, did not reach statistical significance, our results suggest that ICSI-ET treatment cycles be postponed for at least 10 weeks after laparoscopic tubal ligation for hydrosalpinx. A larger prospectively randomized study should be conducted to confirm the minimum delay period required for endometrial receptivity to recover.

Keywords

• Hydrosalpinx
• Tubal ligation
• Pregnancy
• ICSI-ET
• Time interval