The significance of laparoscopy in determining the optimal management plan for infertile patients with suspected tubal pathology revealed by hysterosalpingography

Abstract

The fallopian tube has numerous functions, including ovum pick-up, the place of fertilization of the ovum and cleavage of the embryo, and transfer of the embryo to the uterus. Tubal pathology impairs functions of the fallopian tube and reduces fertility. The degree of tubal pathology determines the possibility for fertility. The evaluation of the fallopian tube is necessary to determine the management plan of infertility. Hysterosalpingography (HSG) is often performed as a first line approach to assess tubal patency and the presence of adhesions; however, HSG has limitations in detecting tubal pathology. In the current study, we evaluated the significance of laparoscopy in determining the optimal management plan for infertile patients with suspected tubal pathology revealed by HSG. Between 1997 and 2009, 127 patients with suspected tubal pathology as demonstrated by HSG underwent laparoscopy at Kinki University Hospital, and a retrospective analysis was performed. Of 87 patients with unilateral tubal pathology revealed by HSG, 20 patients (23.0%) were given an indication for assisted reproductive technology (ART), based on the laparoscopic findings. Of 40 patients with bilateral tubal pathology revealed by HSG, 33 patients (82.5%) with bilateral tubal pathology detected by laparoscopy were given a high indication for ART. Laparoscopy enables exact evaluation of the fallopian tube and selection of the optimal management plan in infertile patients with suspected tubal pathology revealed by HSG. Therefore, laparoscopy should be performed in infertile patients with suspected tubal pathology revealed by HSG, as it is of diagnostic importance. © 2012 Tohoku University Medical Press.