Fallopian tube recanalization in an unrestricted patient population.
OBJECTIVE
To review the effectiveness of fallopian tube recanalization (FTR) when performed without restriction based on history or tubal condition.


METHODS
From October 1989 to July 1992 in 37 consecutive women, aged 22-44 years (mean, 35 years), 42 FTRs were performed (five patients each underwent two FTRs). Water-soluble contrast material and selective ostial salpingography and/or microcatheter technique were used exclusively. Eighty tubes were evaluated, since four patients had previously undergone unilateral salpingectomy. Sixty-three tubes (79%) were occluded at the outset of the procedure.


RESULTS
Complete recanalization was achieved in 45 of 63 (71%) occlusions. Adhesions were present in 25 of 80 (31%) tubes, salpingitis isthmica nodosa in 12 (15%), and hydrosalpinx in nine (11%). The 42 procedures resulted in 14 (33%) conceptions, nine (64%) of which involved pathologic tubes. Eleven intrauterine pregnancies resulted in five spontaneous first-trimester abortions, five full-term deliveries, and one continuing pregnancy.


CONCLUSIONS
Favorable conception and live birth rates can be achieved with FTR, despite a high prevalence of tubal disease.
Hovsepian
D M
DM
Division of Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pa.
Bonn
J
J
Eschelman
D J
DJ
Shapiro
M J
MJ
Sullivan
K L
KL
Gardiner
G A
GA
D000328:Adult; D002404:Catheterization; D003251:Constriction, Pathologic; D005184:Fallopian Tube Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D005186:Fallopian Tube Patency Tests; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007047:Hysterosalpingography; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000209:etiology; D011247:Pregnancy