Ultrasound versus tactile cannulation in the treatment of proximal tubal obstruction.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the therapeutic effects of cannulation guided by ultrasound or tactile sensation in women with proximal tubal obstruction.

METHOD: This prospective randomized study reports on outcomes for 50 women treated as outpatients, 25 by the ultrasound-guided method and 25 by the tactile sensation method.

RESULTS

Of the 50 fallopian tubes in each group, 42 tubes (84%) were successfully cannulated by the ultrasound-guided method and 32 (64%) by the tactile sensation method; and of the 50 patients, 8 (16%) conceived in the 6 months following cannulation. The difference in pregnancy rates between the 2 groups was not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

Whether guided by ultrasound or tactile sensation, cannulation can be offered as a first-line outpatient procedure to women with proximal tubal obstruction.