Severe Hemoperitoneum due to Ovarian Bleeding after Transvaginal Oocyte Retrieval with Surgical Management: A Retrospective Analysis and Comprehensive Review of the Literature

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Severe hemoperitoneum of ovarian bleeding origin is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication of transvaginal oocyte retrieval (TVOR) procedure. The study aimed to present a case series of surgically managed patients from our clinic with hemoperitoneum caused by ovarian bleeding after TVOR, as well as to perform a comprehensive literature review in order to summarize and analyze all published cases with this condition and their management. Materials and Methods: The data of 2939 patients, who underwent TVOR procedures for IVF/ICSI (in vitro fertilization, intracytoplasmic sperm injection) in our clinic between 2010 and 2021 were reviewed. Moreover, a systemic literature search was performed. Main outcome measures from the pooled analysis were incidence and risk factors, type of surgery, intraoperative finding and intervention leading to hemostasis. Results: In our Clinic 4 (0.136%), cases of hemoperitoneum due to ovarian bleeding were surgically managed. Moreover, 39 cases from 18 studies reported in the literature were identified. No risk factors besides lean women with PCOS were identified. In the pooled analysis, the bleeding symptoms appeared in 58.1% of patients within eight hours after TVOR and cumulatively in 81.4% cases during the 24 h after TVOR. The average time from TVOR to surgery was 27.19 ± 53.25 h. Hemostasis was mostly established using electrocoagulation, although few cases of ovariectomy were also reported. Embryo transfer at 60% of cases was postponed and embryos cryopreserved. Conclusions: Severe hemoperitoneum due to ovarian bleeding after TVOR is a rare event that should be treated by techniques of minimally invasive surgery whenever possible. Protocols should be developed to enable optimal management strategies for infertility patients. Embryos obtained should be cryopreserved.