A Randomized Trial of Double-Lumen versus Single-Lumen Needle for Oocyte Retrieval in Women with Low Ovarian Reserve

International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology | Vol. 14, No. 8, August 2026 | pp. 385–396

DOI: 10.46882/2026/IJOG/000509

Original Research Article

Title: A Randomized Trial of Double-Lumen versus Single-Lumen Needle for Oocyte Retrieval in Women with Low Ovarian Reserve

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 retrieval in poor responders requires maximum technical optimization to avoid follicle loss. This randomized clinical trial compared the efficacy and safety profiles of a double-lumen follicle aspiration needle (enabling continuous flushing) against a standard single-lumen needle in women with poor ovarian reserve undergoing assisted reproductive treatments. One hundred subfertile women meeting the Bologna criteria for poor ovarian reserve (Antral Follicle Count ≤ 5 or Anti-Müllerian Hormone ≤ 1.1 ng/mL) 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 was the total number of oocytes retrieved per dominant follicle. The mean number of retrieved oocytes did not differ significantly between the double-lumen and single-lumen cohorts (2.8 ± 1.1 vs. 2.6 ± 1.2, p = 0.38). The oocyte retrieval rate per punctured follicle was also statistically comparable (68.5% vs. 65.2%, p = 0.44). However, the mean operative duration was significantly longer in the double-lumen needle arm due to the repetitive flushing steps (16.4 ± 3.5 minutes vs. 9.2 ± 2.1 minutes, p < 0.001). Postoperative pelvic pain scores measured on a visual analog scale were higher in the double-lumen group (p = 0.012), though severe bleeding risks were similar (p > 0.05). Utilizing a double-lumen needle for follicular flushing does not increase the oocyte yield in women with low ovarian reserve but prolongs surgical timelines and increases immediate postoperative discomfort compared to a simple single-lumen needle.

Keywords: Poor Ovarian Reserve; Oocyte Retrieval; Follicular Flushing; Double-Lumen Needle; Single-Lumen Needle; IVF Outcomes.

Manuscript Timeline: Received: June 01, 2026; Revised: July 19, 2026; Accepted: August 06, 2026; Published: August 24, 2026.

Citation: Nwosu AP, Kudoyin ST. A Randomized Trial of Double-Lumen versus Single-Lumen Needle for Oocyte Retrieval in Women with Low Ovarian Reserve. International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2026; 14(8): 385–396.

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