The pregnancy rate of infertile patients with proximal tubal obstruction 12 months following selective salpingography and tubal catheterization

Abstract

Objective: To assess the efficacy of selective salpingography (SSG) with additional tubal catheterization (TC) among infertile patients diagnosed with PTO and analysis of reproductive outcome.

Study design: Retrospective cohort study.

Results: Of a total of 399 tubes with confirmed proximal tubal occlusion, 383 successfully restored their patency resulting in 96 % technical success rate. Thirty-five percent of oviducts that had their patency restored was treated with SSG and 65% required additional TC. Reproductive outcomes at minimum 12 months following the treatment were collected by a telephone survey. 21/221 women were lost to follow up. Out of remaining 200 patients with at least one patent tube, 80 patients conceived which resulted in 40 % overall pregnancy rate.

Conclusion: Selective salpingography and tubal canalization offer patient-friendly, minimally invasive and cost-effective alternatives to tubal microsurgery and IVF-ET in women with tubal occlusion with very high technical success rate and promising clinical results which depend also on the complexity of couple infertility. Specific indications and limitations make a careful assessment of fallopian tubes and comprehensive evaluation of partners' reproductive situation prior to therapy an absolute requirement.

Keywords: Fertility outcome; Proximal tubal occlusion; Selective salpingography; Tubal canalization.