Fallopian tissue sampling with a cytobrush during hysteroscopy: a new approach for detecting tubal infection.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether the transcervical approach for fallopian tissue sampling is a practicable and safe method to establish an etiologic diagnosis of salpingitis.

DESIGN

Controlled clinical study.

SETTING

Academic research environment.

PATIENT(S): Twenty women with primary or secondary sterility undergoing hysteroscopy and laparoscopy.

INTERVENTION(S): During hysteroscopy, fallopian tissue samples were obtained from the proximal parts of both tubes with a cytobrush inserted through the working channel of the hysteroscope. Diagnostic laparoscopy with assessment of tubal patency was performed in the same session. The specimens were split and used for chlamydial testing by both cell culture and polymerase chain reaction. Serum samples were evaluated for the presence of antichlamydial antibodies.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Practicability and safety of the method.

RESULT(S): The sampling procedure was performed in all patients without complications. Adequate samples were obtained from both tubes in all 20 patients. The fallopian specimens showed evidence of chlamydial infection in one patient.

CONCLUSION(S): Those data indicate that transcervical fallopian tissue sampling with a cytobrush is a reliable and safe technique.