[Selective salpingography and transcervical tubal recanalization: technique, indications, results. Apropos of 53 proceedings].

The aim of the study is to evaluate the efficacy of selective salpingography and fallopian tube recanalization as a diagnostic and therapeutic procedure when proximal tubal obstruction is present. Fifty-three procedures were performed between January 95 and March 98 in the Radiology Department of Hôtel-Dieu de France Hospital, on 53 infertile women aged between 25 and 43 years. Unilateral or bilateral obstruction was documented on hysterosalpingogram or by laparoscopy. The technique consisted of a direct fallopian tube catheterization, under fluoroscopy using an hydrophilic guidewire. Water soluble contrast material was used. Eighty-eight tubes were evaluated (35 with bilateral and 10 with unilateral obstruction, 8 single tubes). Recanalization was possible in 52 cases (97.5%). Twenty-nine patients were followed. Thirteen pregnancies were reported (45%). This pregnancy rate is however increased to 62% if we exclude the cases where other infertility problems coexisted. No complications occurred. Selective salpingography and fallopian tube catheterization is a non invasive successful technique that is extremely useful in the diagnosis and treatment of tubal obstruction in women with infertility problems. It can be performed immediately after an hysterosalpingogram when the fallopian tubes are not opacified.