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

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.