Tubal versus uterine transfer of cryopreserved embryos: a prospective randomized trial

OBJECTIVE: To compare pregnancy rates after fallopian tubal and uterine transfer of cryopreserved embryos. DESIGN: Prospective randomized trial with assignment to treatment groups by a random number table. SETTING: University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, a tertiary care academic institution. PATIENTS: Forty patients with patent fallopian tubes and at least three cryopreserved embryos. INTERVENTIONS: Cryopreserved embryos were thawed and transferred to the fallopian tube by laparoscopy or to the uterus by a transcervical catheter. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Clinical and ongoing pregnancy rates. RESULTS: Tubal transfer of cryopreserved embryos resulted in statistically higher clinical (68% versus 24%) and ongoing pregnancy rates (58% versus 19%) when compared with uterine transfer. CONCLUSIONS: Tubal transfer of cryopreserved embryos is highly effective and offers an improved pregnancy rate when compared with uterine transfer of embryos. This method of transfer should be considered in patients with patent fallopian tubes and at least three cryopreserved embryos.