GAMETE MICROSURGERY FOR ASSISTED FERTILIZATION

Several methods of gamete microsurgery have been proposed to facilitat e the union of the spermatozoon and oocyte in infertile couples, Parti al zona dissection, subzonal sperm insertion, and intracytoplasmic spe rm insertion are the three techniques currently being used for assiste d fertilization in human in vitro fertilization laboratories. Fertiliz ation and pregnancy rates after partial zona dissection and subzonal i nsertion have been Variable and rather low. Recent reports of relative ly high fertilization and pregnancy rates achieved after intracytoplas mic sperm insertion have rejuvenated interest in gamete microsurgery. Methods for each procedure are described, Studies which have attempted patient selection for gamete microsurgery are discussed. (C) 1995 Wil ey-Liss, Inc.