Effects and safety of propofol intravenous anesthesia in transvaginal oocyte retrieval on outcomes of in vitro fertilization and embryo transplantation

Purpose: fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) remain unclear. Methods: This retrospective study enrolled 1187 patients undergoing IVF-ET, and divided into two groups depending on whether they received propofol (propofol group, n=140) or not (control group, n=1047) for anesthesia during oocyte retrieval. Results: <0.01). Additionally, the rate of preterm delivery was significantly higher in the propofol group (p<0.001). To further analyze the effect of propofol on the oocyte retrieval rate, patients were divided into three subgroups depending on the pre-ovulatory follicle count (≤10, 11-20, and >20) to eliminate the influence of inconsistency in the estimation of the pre-ovulatory follicle count between the two groups. Analysis revealed that the use of propofol during oocyte retrieval was particularly advantageous in the subgroup with a pre-ovulatory follicle count of 11-20, yielding a higher oocyte retrieval rate (p<0.001). Conclusion: The use of propofol in oocyte retrieval did not adversely affect fertilization, embryo quality, or clinical outcomes. Moreover, it was found to increase the oocyte retrieval rate among patients with an estimated pre-ovulatory follicle count of 11-20. These findings offer valuable evidence supporting the clinical application of propofol in oocyte retrieval procedures.