GIFT is a technique to maximize fertilization of the egg within the fallopian tubes, the natural site of fertilization.  The eggs are retrieved vaginally, using ultrasound guidance, and placed into the fallopian tubes with sperm by laparoscopy or laparotomy.

GIFT is appropriate for the following types of patients:

• Women with at least one normal fallopian tube
• Couples where the husband has more than two million sperm in his ejaculate
• Couples who have a moral or religious concern with IVF

Before GIFT can be performed, patients must have at least one normal fallopian tube documented by an x-ray (hysterosalpingogram) and the absence of scar tissue in the outside of the tube documented by laparoscopy.

GIFT does not require hospitalization.  The woman is in recovery for about eight hours after the procedure.  A potential drawback of GIFT is the lack of visible confirmation of fertilization.