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

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 < 10 weeks after laparoscopic tubal surgery, 20 patients (group B) had an ICSI-ET cycle 10 and 16 weeks after surgery, and 20 patients (group C) 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. (C) 2013 Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Middle East Fertility Society.