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The importance of the operating microscope in rabbit tubal anastomosis was assessed by operating on 36 rabbits, half with the aid of the operating microscope and half with the aid of low-magnification loupes. The surgeons' operating comfort and sense of assuredness that the anastomoses were being done properly were increased by the operating microscope. However, the outcome of the anastomoses as measured by pregnancy rates, adhesion scores, and microscopic pathologic findings were not significantly different in the two groups.

Pelvic adhesion formation represents a major problem following fallopian tube surgery for infertility. Intraperitoneal dextran may prevent pelvic adhesions. Extensive personal clinical experience (W. H. U.) with intraperitoneal dextran organ-flotation on completion of tubal and ovarian surgery has appeared to limit adhesions. A specific study was designed to test the validity of this theory. Four randomized groups of rabbits were subjected to bilateral tubocornual division and microsurgical reanastomosis with total hemostasis and pelvic lavage. Routine peritoneal closure was performed on one group, but followed instillation of 30 to 50 ml of normal saline into the peritoneal cavities of the second group, and 30 to 50 ml of 6% dextran 70 into those of the third. Study of fourth group, which received 32% dextran 70 in the peritoneal cavity, was discontinued because of complications. A second laparotomy was performed 4 weeks later for precise assessment and photography of adhesion formation. Each animal was mated 4 weeks after the second operation in order to determine fertility rates. Reduced adhesion formation and increased fertility rates following the instillation of dextran are reported. A role for dextran 70 in infertility surgery is recommended.

The establishment of an in vitro fertilization program is described. Organization of the physical laboratory, media formulation, and preliminary mouse embryo culture are discussed. Parameters of patient eligibility, ovarian stimulation, and laparoscopy are also defined. At the conclusion of Phase I, 17 patients were induced; 10 went to laparoscopy, and at least one four-cell embryo was returned to 7, resulting in one continuing pregnancy.

Women with absent or dysfunctional uteri consented to controlled ovarian stimulation, ovum aspiration, in vitro fertilization, and embryo culture. Cleaving preembryos were transferred to recipient (surrogate) women whose menstrual cycles were in approximate synchrony with the ovum donor. None of the embryo recipients received medication. Six cases are described, resulting in one spontaneous loss at 6 weeks, four full-term deliveries, and one ongoing pregnancy. HLA typing demonstrated all babies to be genotypic offspring of the gamete donors.