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#3
Oocyte (egg) Retrieval
The
egg collection process (retrieval) is usually accomplished using
the Ultrasound-Guided Trans-vaginal method. Other methods of retrieving
oocytes that are rarely utilized in our practice but are sometimes
necessary, include Laparoscopy or a Trans-Abdominal approach.
The
Ultrasound-Guided Trans-vaginal method of egg retrieval allows this
procedure to be done in an out-patient setting. A vaginal ultrasound
allows for visualization of both ovaries. A needle is inserted through
the vaginal wall into the ovary. Each follicle is punctured individually
and the fluid containing the egg is examined by the embryologist
under the microscope until the egg is found. The duration of this
procedure is usually less than 45 minutes.
For
patient comfort, sedation is required. Currently, the patient has
a choice between two types of anesthesia which are discussed below.
Conscious
Sedation:
Included in the cost of the standard egg retrieval, this method
of anesthesia is chosen by the patients approximately 25% of the
time. Conscious Sedation is administered by the staff Registered
Nurse under the guidance of the physician. The patient is given
a combination of two medications intravenously (IV): Versed which
is in the Valium family and Fentanyl which is in the morphine family.
This type of sedation generally produces a "twight sleep".
The patient may be aware of her surroundings and the ongoing procedure.
Response to sedation is very individual and therefore your comfort
level with this type of sedation is difficult to predetermine.
Monitored
Anesthesia Care (MAC):
This is administered by a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
(CRNA). This type of sedation is achieved using a combination of
various sedative agents depending on the patients medical history
and the individual needs of the patient. MAC is chosen by approximately
75% of our patients. The patient is completely asleep and unaware
of the ongoing procedure. This type of anesthesia does not usually
require intubation (placement of a breathing tube). There is an
additional charge for this service. A check should be made payable
to Cooper Anesthesia Associates on the day of egg retrieval (refer
to finance section for exact amount).
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