Transcervical fallopian tube catheterization and recanalization for proximal tubal obstruction
Thompson KA , Kiltz RJ , Koci T
Cabus ET , Kletzky OA
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Abstract
Objective
To evaluate further the safety and efficacy of selective ostial salpingography combined with transcervical wire recanalization for the diagnosis and treatment of proximal tubal obstruction.
Design
Prospective study.
Setting
Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Department of Radiology at Harbor-University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Medical Center, a tertiary care academic institution.
Patients
Twenty-eight infertile patients diagnosed with proximal tubal obstruction by hysterosalpingogram (HSG) or by chromopertubation at laparoscopy (total of 46 obstructed tubes).
Interventions
After antibiotic prophylaxis and IV analgesia a conventional HSG was performed. If proximal tubal obstruction was confirmed, selective salpingography was done under fluoroscopic guidance. If proximal tubal obstruction was still present, wire recanalization using a new prototype cannula was then performed. If recanalization was successful, contrast media was injected to confirm tubal patency.
Eleven of 46 tubes (23.9%) were patent by HSG. Ostial salpingography of the remaining 35 tubes revealed 6 patent tubes (13%). Nine of the 29 obstructed tubes (31%) had successful wire recanalization, and 8 of these were patent distally. There were 4 intrauterine pregnancies (IUPs) and 1 ectopic pregnancy after recanalization and 2 IUPs after ostial salpingography.
Conclusion
Selective salpingography should be considered at the time of an HSG showing proximal tubal obstruction. If indicated, wire recanalization can also be attempted. Selective ostial salpingography combined with wire recanalization is a safe and effective procedure for the diagnosis and treatment of PTO.
Thompson, K. A., Kiltz, R. J., Koci, T., Cabus, E. T., & Kletzky, O. A. (1994). Transcervical fallopian tube catheterization and recanalization for proximal tubal obstruction. Fertility and sterility, 61(2), 243-247.
Thompson KA, Kiltz RJ, Koci T, Cabus ET, Kletzky OA. Transcervical fallopian tube catheterization and recanalization for proximal tubal obstruction. Fertil Steril. 1994;61(2):243-247.
Thompson, K. A., et al. "Transcervical fallopian tube catheterization and recanalization for proximal tubal obstruction." Fertility and sterility, vol. 61, no. 2, 1994, pp. 243-247.
Obstruction of the uterine (proximal) end of the fallopian tube is noted on up to 20% of hysterosalpingograms and has a variety of underlying causes. Definitive diagnosis and treatment in the past have required laparoscopy or laparotomy with tubal resection. Selective salpingography and fallopian tube recanalization with fluoroscopically guided catheters has emerged as an improved method both for diagnosis and treatment in these patients. Technical success rates for overcoming the obstruction and visualizing distal tubal anatomy range from 76% to 95%. Pregnancy rates after the procedure vary depending on the patient populations studied; however, early results indicate a greater than 50% intrauterine pregnancy rate by 1 year. The rate of ectopic pregnancy is approximately 10% and that of early tubal reocclusion is less than 30%. Selective salpingography and fallopian tube recanalization is recommended as the first intervention in patients with obstruction of the proximal fallopian tube.
To assess the intratubal pressure (ITP) and patency status of the fallopian tubes before and after transcervical catheterization of the fallopian tubes (TCFT). Prospective procedural assessment. Pope Paul VI Institute for the Study of Human Reproduction. PATIENT(S): Two hundred thirty-four women with either primary or secondary infertility. INTERVENTION(S): Patients underwent selective hysterosalpingography and, in some cases, TCFT with measurement of the ITP before and after the procedure. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): The ITP before and after TCFT. RESULT(S): The mean (+/-SD) ITP in freely patent tubes was 0.53 +/- 0.06 atm, that in partially obstructed tubes was 1.23 +/- 0.52 atm, and that in completely obstructed tubes was 2.79 +/- 1.40 atm. After TCFT, the mean (+/-SD) ITP in partially obstructed tubes decreased to 0.64 +/- 0.31 atm and that in completely obstructed tubes decreased to 1.86 +/- 1.35 atm. The ITP was normalized in 76% of partially obstructed tubes and in 29.5% of completely obstructed tubes. In all cases of complete obstruction in which surgical correction was attempted, organic pathology was identified. CONCLUSION(S): The procedure described is a safe and easy means of obtaining reliable and significant information on the status of the proximal fallopian tube.
To investigate the role of transcervical tubal catheterization in diagnosis and treatment of proximal tubal obstruction associated with salpingitis isthmica nodosa. Retrospective case study. University hospital and outpatient radiology practice. Fifty-two women with proximal tubal obstruction associated with salpingitis isthmica nodosa. Selective salpingography and catheter recanalization using fluoroscopic guidance. The number of tubes visualized to the fimbria as a percentage of the tubes with proximal tubal obstruction on the initial hysterosalpingogram was determined as a measure of diagnostic efficacy. To evaluate the treatment potential of catheter recanalization, the patients were grouped according to tubal status at the conclusion of the procedure and subsequent pregnancies were evaluated. Forty-seven of 65 tubes (72%) with proximal tubal obstruction were recanalized successfully. Among the 19 women who were able to conceive only via a recanalized salpingitis isthmica nodosa tube, there were 6 live births (32%) and two tubal pregnancies (10%). Selective salpingography allows complete tubal diagnosis in almost three fourths of patients with proximal tubal obstruction and salpingitis isthmica nodosa. The radiographic diagnosis of salpingitis isthmica nodosa may be pressure dependent. Intrauterine pregnancies occur via recanalized salpingitis isthmica nodosa tubes, therefore catheter recanalization may be attempted before tubal microsurgery or IVF in patients with proximal tubal obstruction and associated salpingitis isthmica nodosa.
To test a sonoscopic technique developed for transvaginal catheterization and recanalization of the fallopian tube. In a feasibility study, catheterization was performed with the use of laparoscopic control. Patients with bilateral proximal tubal obstruction underwent fallopian tube recanalization under ultrasonic observation. This study represents patients evaluated for primary or secondary infertility at Humboldt University Hospital. PATIENTS, Proximal tubal obstruction had been diagnosed on previous hysterosalpingogram and with laparoscopy. None. Tubal patency was assessed by hydrotubation under ultrasonic observation. Transvaginal catheterization was successful in 31 (91.2%) of the 34 tubes. In 19 patients with proximal tubal obstruction, patency of both or at least one tube was achieved in 16 (84.2%) women. Five (31.6%) of 16 patients successfully recanalized were found to have an intrauterine pregnancy at a 6-month follow-up interval. This catheterization technique should be investigated for possible use in diagnostic schedule early in the evaluation of the infertile patient. Also, the transvaginal recanalization of proximally obstructed tubes calls into question the application of microsurgical treatment of a selected group of patients.