Tubal obstruction after ligation reversal surgery: results of catheter recanalization.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the role of transcervical fallopian tube catheterization in restoring tubal patency after ligation reversal surgery.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Twenty-four women with tubal obstruction after ligation reversal surgery underwent selective salpingography and tubal recanalization.

RESULTS

Patency was established in 26 (68%) of 38 anastomotic tubes without complication. In the 13 patients who were followed up and who could conceive only via a recanalized anastomotic tube, there were six (46%) pregnancies: two (15%) successful uterine pregnancies, two (15%) early spontaneous abortions, and two (15%) tubal pregnancies. The mean time from procedure to conception was 2 months.

CONCLUSION

Patency of fallopian tubes not visualized at hysterosalpingography after ligation reversal surgery can be established 68% of the time with selective salpingography. In some patients, selective salpingography can be therapeutic. If subsequent conception occurs in these patients, it occurs shortly after the catheterization procedure.