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.