Diagnosing proximal tubal obstruction: evaluation of peak intrauterine pressures using four common cannula techniques in extirpated uteri.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the ability of four chromotubation techniques to generate and maintain intrauterine pressures in the diagnosis of proximal tubal obstruction.

METHODS

Sixteen extirpated uteri were used for this study. A pressure catheter was placed through the fundus into the endometrial cavity. Three cannulas were evaluated: 1) the Cohen cannula with hold and no-hold techniques, 2) the BARD cervical cannula (dual intrauterine and intracervical balloons), and 3) the Harris-Kronner uterine manipulator-injector catheter with an intrauterine balloon. Intrauterine pressures were monitored while warm saline was infused. The studies were performed with the tubes obstructed, and measurements of peak attainable intrauterine pressures were recorded. Data were analyzed by t test, with significance set at P < .05.

RESULTS

Peak intrauterine pressures for the four groups were as follows: 1) Cohen cannula, not holding, 40.7 +/- 5.1 mmHg; 2) Cohen cannula, holding in place, 63.6 +/- 5.3 mmHg; 3) BARD cannula, 112.4 +/- 3.5 mmHg; and 4) Harris-Kronner cannula, 106.3 +/- 4.3 mmHg. The BARD and Harris-Kronner cannulas achieved significantly higher intrauterine pressures than either method of using the Cohen cannula (P < .001). There was no statistically significant difference between the BARD and Harris-Kronner cannulas.

CONCLUSION

Significant differences in achievable intrauterine pressures were demonstrated among catheters in our in vitro model. Based on these findings, we believe that the BARD, Harris-Kronner, or other intrauterine balloon-type cannula should be used before diagnosing proximal tubal obstruction.