Follicular flushing during oocyte retrieval: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to examine the literature and identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs), in order to answer if performing follicular flushing during the oocyte retrieval may improve the assisted reproductive technologies (ART) outcomes.

Methods: An exhaustive electronic search was performed using MEDLINE and EMBASE databases. Only RCTs comparing follicular flushing to aspiration only during ART, were included. We included 5 trials, with a total of 482 patients randomized, with median ages ranging from 30.5 to 37.1.

Results: The data analyses did not show significant differences regarding live birth rate, clinical pregnancies rates, and the number of oocytes retrieved. The duration of oocyte retrieval was significantly increased in the follicular flushing group.

Conclusions: The results from this systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that there is no advantage to use of routine follicular flushing during OR in an unselected group of patients.

Figures

Fig. 1

Flow chart for the trial identification and selection process

Fig. 2

Forest plot comparing the live birth rate in the follicular flushing group versus aspiration only group

Fig. 3

Forest plot comparing the clinical pregnancy rate in the follicular flushing group versus aspiration only group

Fig. 4

Forest plot comparing the number of oocytes retrieved in the follicular flushing group versus aspiration only group

Fig. 5

Forest plot comparing the procedure time in the follicular flushing group versus aspiration only group