Effects of cornual catheterization on uterotubal histology and function.
OBJECTIVE
To assess histologic damage and functional impairment following coaxial tubal catheterization.


METHODS
Prospective randomized controlled study.


METHODS
Research laboratory.


METHODS
Ninety-two female New Zealand rabbits.


METHODS
Tubal cannulation and mating.


METHODS
Rabbits randomized for placement of unilateral catheter and guide wire (group 1), unilateral catheter and guide wire plus falloposcope (group 2), and catheterization as in group 1 or 2 but using a cage catheter (groups 3 and 4, respectively). A fifth group consisted of rabbits with tubal perforations. Rabbits were killed at 2 or 4 weeks after catheterization or after mating. The sixth group consisted of only control rabbits.


RESULTS
Only one catheterized tube in groups 1 and 3 showed inflammation, fibrosis, or edema. None of the tubes manifested ciliary loss. Serosal tubal adhesions were identified in two tubes in group 1, in one in group 3, in three tubes in group 5, and one in the control group. The nidation index in control and nonperforated catheterized tubes ranged from 72%-95% (not significant). Nidation index in tubes unintentionally perforated was 81%.


CONCLUSIONS
Catheterization of the uterotubal junction and fallopian tube in rabbits does not cause long-term tubal damage or impair tubal function.
Diamond
Michael P
MP
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA. mdiamond@med.wayne.edu
Leach
Richard E
RE
Ginsburg
Kenneth A
KA
El-Mowafi
Diaa M
DM
Dawe
Elizabeth
E
Scanlan
Richard M
RM
D000818:Animals; D002404:Catheterization / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D005186:Fallopian Tube Patency Tests / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D005187:Fallopian Tubes / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D011247:Pregnancy; D011817:Rabbits