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.


METHODS
Controlled clinical study.


METHODS
Academic research environment.


METHODS
Twenty women with primary or secondary sterility undergoing hysteroscopy and laparoscopy.


METHODS
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.


METHODS
Practicability and safety of the method.


RESULTS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
Those data indicate that transcervical fallopian tissue sampling with a cytobrush is a reliable and safe technique.
Haeusler
G
G
Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Vienna, Austria.
Tempfer
C
C
Lehner
R
R
Sam
C
C
Kainz
C
C
D002584:Cervix Uteri; D002690:Chlamydia Infections / Q000473:pathology*; D002692:Chlamydia trachomatis / Q000302:isolation & purification; D004209:Disposable Equipment; D005184:Fallopian Tube Diseases / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology*; D005187:Fallopian Tubes / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015907:Hysteroscopy; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000473:pathology; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013048:Specimen Handling / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods