Is follicular flushing necessary for oocyte retrieval? A randomized trial

Abstract

A prospective randomized trial was performed to evaluate the necessity of follicular flushing during transvaginal, ultrasonically guided oocyte recovery under mild sedation. Patients with tubal damage as the sole cause of their infertility were randomized into one of two groups. Group one had their follicles aspirated only. Follicles of patients in Group 2 were aspirated and flushed with a total of 10 ml of flushing medium. There was no significant difference in the number of oocytes retrieved, fertilization rate or pregnancy rate in each group. There was, however, a significant shortening of operating time in the aspiration only group.