A second hysterosalpingography reduces the use of selective technique for treatment of a proximal tubal obstruction

• Published in: Fertility and sterility Vol. 73; no. 5; p. 1037
• Main Authors: Dessole, S, Meloni, G B, Capobianco, G, Manzoni, M A, Ambrosini, G, Canalis, G C
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01-05-2000
• Subjects: Adult; Fallopian Tube Diseases - diagnostic imaging; Fallopian Tube Diseases - therapy; Female; Humans; Hysterosalpingography; Infertility, Female - diagnostic imaging; Infertility, Female - therapy; Prospective Studies
• ISSN: 0015-0282
• DOI: 10.1016/S0015-0282(00)00415-5

To assess whether a second hysterosalpingography (HSG) can permit tubal patency, reducing the use of selective salpingography in patients with proximal tubal obstruction.
Prospective study.
University hospital.
The study population consisted of 360 infertile women.
In patients with unilateral or bilateral proximal tubal obstruction, a second HSG was performed after about 1 month. In those cases with persistent obstruction, an immediate selective salpingography and tubal catheterization were performed.
Tubal opacification.
Forty patients underwent a second HSG procedure for proximal tubal occlusion. Among these, 24 achieved bilateral tubal patency. Thus, repetition of a conventional HSG after 1 month avoided unnecessary salpingography in 60% of patients.
In infertile women with proximal tubal obstruction, we believe it is best to perform a second HSG. HSG is easy to carry out and subjects patients to a lower dosage of radiation and fewer risks than selective salpingography. The latter technique should be reserved for unsuccessful cases.