A novel disposable intrauterine infusion catheter reduces pain and shortens procedure time compared to a conventional balloon-tipped catheter in sonohysterography: a retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE

To compare pain scores and complication rates between a novel disposable intrauterine infusion catheter (Yikai Medical) and a conventional balloon-tipped 12F double-lumen catheter during hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography (HyCoSy).

METHODS

This single-center retrospective cohort study included 128 infertile women who underwent HyCoSy between January 2022 and June 2023. Patients were divided into observation group (disposable catheter, n = 64) and control group (balloon catheter, n = 64). Primary outcomes were Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain scores (intraoperative, 30 min, 2 h postoperative) and complication rates. Secondary outcomes included procedure time and imaging success rate. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors of pain.

RESULTS

Baseline characteristics were generally comparable between the groups, although patients in the observation group were slightly younger (P = 0.041). VAS scores were significantly lower in the observation group at all time points (all P<0.001). Overall complication rate was lower in the observation group (15.6% vs. 29.7%) but not statistically significant (P = 0.091). Procedure time was shorter in the observation group (8.28 ± 1.44 vs. 10.49 ± 2.32 min, P<0.001). Imaging success was similar (100% vs. 98.4%, P = 1.000). Catheter type was an independent predictor of moderate-to-severe pain (OR = 0.115, 95% CI 0.050-0.267, P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

The disposable intrauterine infusion catheter significantly reduces pain and procedure time during HyCoSy compared to the conventional balloon-tipped catheter, with comparable imaging success and a trend toward fewer complications.