Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer (GIFT)
This technique is used in cases in which at least one fallopian tube is normal. The eggs and sperm are deposited in the fallopian tube and therefore the normal physiological process is mimicked. The whole procedure is performed under general anaesthetic on a day case basis. You are prepared in a similar manner as for in vitro fertilization. However, egg collection is performed by laparoscopy. Once the egg collection is completed, the maturity of the eggs is assessed by the embryologist and usually two eggs with around 100,000 motile sperm are placed in the fallopian tube. This procedure is not used as much as IVF.
Zygote Intrafallopian Transfer (ZIFT)
In vitro fertilisation may be recommended in some patients as a first option in order to establish the ability of the sperm to fertilise the eggs. If at least one fallopian tube is normal and fertilisation has occurred in vitro, the fertilised eggs can be transferred to the fallopian tube under general anaesthetic. The only difference between GIFT and ZIFT is that with GIFT fertilisation occurs in the fallopian tube and with ZIFT fertilisation occurs in the laboratory and the pre-embryo is then transferred to the fallopian tube. This procedure is rarely used.
