A Randomized Controlled Trial of Double-Lumen versus Single-Lumen Needles for Oocyte Retrieval in Patients with Endometrioma

International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology | Vol. 14, No. 9, September 2026 | pp. 879–890

DOI: 10.46882/2026/IJOG/000554

Original Research Article

Title: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Double-Lumen versus Single-Lumen Needles for Oocyte Retrieval in Patients with Endometrioma

Names of Authors: Anita P. Nwosu¹, Samuel T. Kudoyin²

Authors’ Affiliations:
¹ Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, Nigeria
² Department of Radiology, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract:
Oocyte collection in women presenting with ovarian endometriomas requires maximum technical optimization to retrieve competent oocytes without puncturing adjacent chocolate cysts, which carry risks of pelvic infection. This randomized clinical trial compared the efficacy, aspiration duration, and pelvic contamination profiles of a double-lumen follicle aspiration needle enabling immediate flushing versus a standard single-lumen aspiration needle. One hundred subfertile women with unilateral or bilateral ovarian endometriomas (diameter 3 to 5 cm) undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation for IVF were randomized to either the double-lumen needle group (n = 50) or the single-lumen needle group (n = 50) during transvaginal ultrasound-guided oocyte retrieval. The primary endpoint evaluated was the total number of oocytes retrieved from ovaries containing endometriomas. The mean number of retrieved oocytes was statistically identical between the double-lumen and single-lumen arms (3.2 ± 1.1 vs. 3.0 ± 1.2, p = 0.44). The fertilization rates and high-grade blastocyst transformation metrics did not vary significantly between the cohorts (p > 0.05). However, the mean operative duration was significantly longer in the double-lumen needle group due to repetitive flushing steps (16.4 ± 3.5 minutes vs. 9.2 ± 2.1 minutes, p < 0.001). Postoperative pelvic infection or accidental endometrioma rupture did not occur in either group. In women with ovarian endometriomas, a double-lumen needle with follicular flushing does not increase total oocyte yield but significantly prolongs surgical timelines compared to a single-lumen needle.

Keywords: Ovarian Endometrioma; Oocyte Retrieval; Follicular Flushing; Double-Lumen Needle; Single-Lumen Needle; IVF Yields.

Manuscript Timeline: Received: August 04, 2026; Revised: September 04, 2026; Accepted: September 14, 2026; Published: September 20, 2026.

Citation: Nwosu AP, Kudoyin ST. A Randomized Controlled Trial of Double-Lumen versus Single-Lumen Needles for Oocyte Retrieval in Patients with Endometrioma. International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2026; 14(9): 879–890.

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