title: Investigation of the infertile couple: a one-stop outpatient endoscopy-based approach.
abstract: Transvaginal hydrolaparoscopy (THL) is a new culdoscopic technique for exploration of the pelvic cavity that takes advantage of micro-endoscopic technology and uses aquaflotation for inspection of the tubo-ovarian structures. In infertility patients, THL is systematically combined with mini-hysteroscopy, chromopertubation, fimbrioscopy and, when indicated, salpingoscopy. Mini-hysteroscopy in combination with the chromopertubation test allows accurate assessment of the uterine cavity and tubal patency. The transvaginal access combined with the aquaflotation during THL facilitates detailed inspection of the tubo-ovarian structures and detection of subtle pelvic disease. This combined transvaginal endoscopic approach allows complete evaluation of the reproductive tract. THL is better tolerated than hysterosalpingography, less invasive than standard laparoscopy, and can be used safely as a first line investigation of the female partner in a one-stop infertility clinic.
authors.affiliation: Leuven Institute for Fertility and Embryology, Tiensevest 168, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium.
authors.forename: Stephan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gordts
authors.forename: Rudi
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Campo
authors.forename: Patrick
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Puttemans
authors.forename: Hugo
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Verhoeven
authors.forename: Luca
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Gianaroli
authors.forename: Jan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Brosens
authors.forename: Ivo
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Brosens
mesh_terms: D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003464:Culdoscopy / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D004724:Endoscopy; D005187:Fallopian Tubes / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015907:Hysteroscopy; D010045:Outpatients; D010053:Ovary / Q000473:pathology; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D012449:Safety