A comparative study on therapeutic outcomes and clinical implications of transvaginal and transabdominal guidance during embryo transfer

Purpose: To comparatively assess the clinical features and therapeutic outcomes in patients that underwent embryo transfer (ET) under transvaginal (TV) and transabdominal (TA) ultrosonographic guidance. Materials and Methods: ET was performed under TV ultrasonography in 184 cases, whereas TA ultrasonography was used in 188 cases. These two groups were compared in terms of therapeutic outcome including rates of implantation and clinical pregnancy. Results: Two groups displayed similar results in terms of rates of implantation and clinical pregnancy. However, duration of ET procedure was significantly shorter (p = 0.001), but pain during the ET intervention was more prominent (p < 0.001) in TA group. Need for Foley catheterization of urinary bladder was more frequent in TV ultrasonography group (p = 0.002). Conclusion: Attributed to the notable differences with respect to ease of procedure, patient comfort, and duration, selection of the appropriate mode of guidance must be made on individualized basis for each case.