Laparoscopic Ovum Pick-Up (LOPU) Technique in Abu Dhabi | Advanced Fertility Care at Umniya 

Laparoscopic Ovum Pick-Up (LOPU) is an advanced egg retrieval technique used in selected fertility preservation and reproductive treatment cases where conventional egg collection may not be suitable. 

The procedure involves retrieving immature or developing eggs directly from the ovaries using minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery. Retrieved eggs may then undergo laboratory maturation and fertilisation depending on the treatment plan. 

At Umniya Fertility, advanced reproductive procedures such as LOPU form part of the broader Umniya Method®, where fertility diagnostics, embryology, reproductive technology, and personalised treatment planning are integrated into one coordinated fertility care pathway. 

What Is Laparoscopic Ovum Pick-Up (LOPU)? 

LOPU is a minimally invasive surgical egg retrieval technique performed using laparoscopy. 

During the procedure: 

  • A small camera and specialised instruments are inserted through tiny abdominal incisions  
  • The ovaries are visualised directly  
  • Developing follicles are aspirated to retrieve eggs  

The technique is generally used when standard transvaginal egg retrieval may not be feasible or when immature egg collection is required for specialised fertility treatment protocols. 

Retrieved eggs may later undergo: 

  • In Vitro Maturation (IVM)  
  • IVF or ICSI fertilisation  
  • Embryo development and freezing  

Who May Benefit From LOPU?

LOPU may be considered in selected fertility situations, including: 

  • Patients requiring immature egg retrieval
  • Women with anatomical challenges affecting standard egg collection
  • Selected fertility preservation cases
  • Patients undergoing specialised reproductive treatment protocols
  • Cases where transvaginal retrieval is not possible or not recommended

Because LOPU is a specialised fertility procedure, suitability is determined individually following fertility consultation and reproductive assessment. 

How Does the LOPU Procedure Work?

The procedure is performed under anaesthesia using minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques. 

The process generally includes: 

  • Ovarian assessment and treatment planning
  • Mild ovarian stimulation or cycle monitoring in selected cases
  • Laparoscopic access to the ovaries
  • Retrieval of follicles and eggs
  • Laboratory processing of retrieved eggs

Depending on the maturity of the eggs retrieved: 

  • Eggs may undergo laboratory maturation
  • Fertilisation may occur using IVF or ICSI
  • Embryos may be frozen or transferred depending on the treatment pathway

At Umniya, embryo assessment, embryo freezing, and genetic testing may also form part of treatment planning where clinically appropriate. 

What to Expect During the Procedure

LOPU is typically performed as a day procedure under general anaesthesia. 

During the procedure: 

  • Small incisions are made in the abdomen
  • A laparoscopic camera is used to visualise the ovaries
  • Follicles are carefully aspirated to retrieve eggs

The procedure is usually completed within a relatively short time, although exact timing varies depending on ovarian access and follicle number.

Most patients return home the same day following recovery and monitoring.

Recovery After LOPU

Recovery after LOPU is generally similar to recovery following other minimally invasive laparoscopic procedures. 

Some patients may experience: 

  • Mild abdominal discomfort
  • Temporary bloating
  • Fatigue
  • Mild spotting or pelvic soreness

Most patients return gradually to normal daily activities within several days depending on the extent of the procedure and individual recovery.

Your fertility specialist will provide guidance regarding recovery, medication, activity restrictions, and follow-up appointments.

Benefits of LOPU

LOPU may offer several advantages in selected fertility cases, including: 

  • Access to eggs when standard retrieval is difficult
  • Support for fertility preservation strategies
  • Retrieval of immature eggs for IVM treatment
  • Reduced reliance on high-dose ovarian stimulation in selected protocols
  • Expanded treatment options for complex fertility situations

The procedure may be particularly useful in specialised reproductive medicine pathways where conventional egg retrieval is not optimal. 

Risks and Safety Considerations

LOPU is generally considered safe when performed by experienced fertility and surgical teams, although all surgical procedures involve some risks. 

Potential risks may include: 

  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Temporary pelvic discomfort
  • Anaesthesia-related risks
  • Injury to surrounding pelvic structures in rare cases

Your fertility specialist will discuss the benefits, limitations, and expected outcomes before treatment begins. 

LOPU and Fertility Treatment Planning

Retrieved eggs may be used as part of broader fertility treatment pathways involving:

  • In Vitro Maturation (IVM)
  • IVF
  • ICSI
  • Embryo freezing
  • Fertility preservation

At Umniya, reproductive treatment planning is tailored carefully according to ovarian reserve, reproductive goals, fertility diagnosis, and long-term family planning considerations.

Why Choose Umniya for LOPU Treatment?

At Umniya, advanced fertility procedures are integrated into a coordinated fertility care system combining reproductive diagnostics, embryology, laboratory science, and personalised treatment planning. 

The Umniya Method incorporates: 

  • Fertility diagnostics and assessment
  • Advanced reproductive technology
  • Embryology and laboratory expertise
  • Embryo freezing
  • Genetic testing where appropriate
  • Coordinated fertility care pathways

Patients are supported throughout treatment by fertility specialists, embryologists, nurses, and care coordinators working together across every stage of the fertility journey. 

Frequently Asked Questions