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

ObjectiveTo determine the optimal time interval between performing laparoscopic tubal ligation for hydrosalpinges and an ICSI-ET treatment cycle.DesignA retrospective cohort study.SettingPrivate 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.