[Differential indications for surgical technics in reproductive medicine--microsurgery, in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer, gamete intrafallopian transfer and tubal embryo transfer]

Abstract

The birth of the first baby following in-vitro fertilisation and embryo transfer (IVF/ET) in 1978 and the introduction of gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT) in 1984 have increased the treatment modalities in operative reproductive medicine. In tubal pathology, there are besides micro-surgery now so-called additive methods available for treating infertility. With regard to the indications, there has been severe confusion, and it is therefore imperative to define special indications for IVF/ET, microsurgery and GIFT. We do not consider these treatment modalities as alternative methods. Reproductive centres should offer all these treatments to guarantee an appropriate individual programme for each couple. Therefore, knowledge of pregnancy rates is a prerequisite for the doctor. The aim of this paper is, to define the optimal therapy while taking into account the individual problems of each couple.