Microendoscopy of the human fallopian tube.

Advances in fiberoptic technology make it possible to evaluate the tubal lumen endoscopically. Two basic procedures are salpingoscopy and falloposcopy. The former is a transfimbrial approach allowing visualization from the ampullary-isthmic junction to the fimbriae. The latter is a transcervical approach allowing assessment of the tubal lumen from the uterotubal ostium to the fimbriae. Both may be performed without general anesthesia. The procedures provide more sensitive information than laparoscopy with chromotubation or hysterosalpingography alone. Findings provide a strong correlation with conception. Technical shortcomings make falloposcopy more difficult than the more straightforward transfimbrial technique. With more widespread acceptance, endoscopic evaluation of the fallopian tube may become a standard component of the infertility evaluation.