Oocyte pick-up (OPU)

Most of the egg retrievals are carried out under general anesthesia in the operating room. Exceptionally, a locoregional anesthesia can be proposed. This is discussed with the doctor and the anesthesiologist before surgery and the attitude is not changed at the last minute.

It is essential for women to fast on the day of egg retrieval. This means no food or drink during the 6 hours before the operation.

The short movie below shows the ultrasound image of an ovary during a follicleFluid-filled sac in the ovary containing and nourishing the egg during its maturation. During ovulation, the follicle bursts and releases the egg. punctureOocyte retrieval in ovarian follicles in women for in vitro fertilization. The vaginal oocyte retrieval is generally performed under a light general anesthesia, and is carried out by puncturing each mature follicle under ultrasound guidance.. The follicles are oval black images, which disappear when they are emptied.

The photos above illustrate the steps of a collection of oocytes. The ovarian follicles are reached through the wall of the vaginalRelating to the vagina. cavity with the needle shown on the first photo. This needle is carefully inserted into each follicleFluid-filled sac in the ovary containing and nourishing the egg during its maturation. During ovulation, the follicle bursts and releases the egg. using an ultrasound probe and the follicular fluid is collected in tubes labeled with the name of the patient. These tubes are transported to the laboratory where the cumulus-oocyteA female reproductive cell. At birth, the ovaries contain 1 to 2 million oocytes. At puberty, there are no more than 400'000 to 500'000 left. Only 400 to 500 will reach maturity and ovulation at a rate of  one per month until menopause. All the others will finally degenerate at various stages of development. complexes (COC) are identified using a binocular microscope and are then cultured in an incubator.