OHSS drainage
What to expect if you need fluid drained for ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome
Please arrive at the clinic 60 minutes before your procedure time. Do not eat or drink after midnight the night before this procedure.
You have been booked for this procedure because you are showing symptoms of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). This is a rare (less than 5%) complication of fertility medications in which your ovaries swell and leak fluid into the body. Most cases are mild and cause temporary discomfort, but if left untreated they could create more serious issues.
How to prepare
This procedure is done on a needs basis, and you will be followed after your egg retrieval by one of our surgical nurses. The follow-up includes monitoring your weight, fluid intake and output, and waist measurement. You will be given a form to help track any significant increases.
We take OHSS management seriously, and you will likely be brought in for daily ultrasounds while we monitor the fluid and your overall well-being. Once the doctor has confirmed you need OHSS drainage, you will be booked for a same-day procedure or an appointment the following day.
This procedure typically takes 20–45 minutes, depending on the amount of fluid to be drained. It is relatively painless, although you may feel some slight discomfort. You will notice immediate improvement in your abdominal swelling and discomfort, as well as in your breathing.
The procedure
You will be checked into a recovery suite, change into a gown, and be prepared by a nurse. The nurse will explain the procedure, answer any questions you have, and go over the consent forms with you. You will be connected to a vital signs monitor and monitored constantly before your procedure.
A nurse will take you into the procedure room. You will receive a local anaesthetic and possibly some sedation, depending on how you are tolerating the procedure. Your physician will place an ultrasound probe with a needle guide attached into your vagina. Ultrasound guidance lets your physician clearly see the fluid in relation to the uterus and the best placement for the needle. Your physician will then advance the needle through the vaginal wall into the pocket of fluid that has built up around your uterus.
The procedure can take 25–40 minutes, and some repositioning may be needed. Your nurse will be at your side for the entire procedure.
After the procedure
You will spend about 1 hour being monitored in a recovery suite until you are ready to leave the clinic. During this time, you will be offered some snacks and a high-salt drink. If you tolerate this well, we will remove your IV line and prepare you for discharge.
We ask that your support person helps you and helps monitor your OHSS symptoms once you are home. Your nursing team will follow you closely after your procedure to make sure no further complications or symptoms come up.