After the FLUSH trial: a prospective observational study of lipiodol flushing as an innovative treatment for unexplained and endometriosis-related infertility.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the demographics, efficacy and safety of lipiodol flushing fertility treatment.

DESIGN

Prospective observational study.

SETTING

Secondary level care infertility clinic and radiology centre based in Auckland, New Zealand.

POPULATION: The first cohort of 100 New Zealand women with infertility to undergo lipiodol flushing as an innovative fertility treatment.

METHODS

Women received lipiodol flushing performed by a hysterosalpingogram technique and were followed up at 6 months.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Clinical pregnancy at 6 months post-treatment; and live birth or ongoing pregnancy.

RESULTS

The overall pregnancy rate was 30% and the live birth or ongoing pregnancy rate 27%. For women under 40 years old, a 32% pregnancy rate and a 25% live birth or ongoing pregnancy rate were seen in women with unexplained infertility, and a 50% pregnancy rate and a 47% live birth or ongoing pregnancy rate were seen in women with endometriosis. Of women aged 40 years and older, the pregnancy rate was 13% and the live birth or ongoing pregnancy rate was 13%. The pregnancy rates included those occurring after additional interventions, such as intrauterine insemination and in vitro fertilisation, accounting for 12 of the 30 pregnancies. There were no treatment complications.

CONCLUSION

This study provides further evidence of the efficacy and safety of lipiodol flushing fertility treatment.