title: Current methods of tubal patency assessment.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the scientific literature on current methods of uterine cavity and tubal patency assessment.
  
  
  METHODS
  Review of literature and appraisal of relevant articles using MEDLINE, OVID, EMBASE, and Cochrane on-line databases.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Current pelvic imaging subfertility investigations are compared with the gold standard laparoscopy. The technical aspects, associated risks, potential advantages, and weighted utility of each screening study are discussed. A comprehensive analysis of the clinical evidence regarding the safety, tolerance, and accuracy of hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography compared with alternative screening studies and/or laparoscopy is reviewed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Increasing evidence supports the more recently described hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography procedure as an acceptable screening study for the subfertile patient with the potential advantage that it is a comprehensive evaluation, methodologically simple, cost effective, and time efficient.
authors: Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky 40292, USA. r0saun01@gwise.louisville.edu
authors: Rhiana D
authors: RD
authors: Saunders
authors: James M
authors: JM
authors: Shwayder
authors: Steven T
authors: ST
authors: Nakajima
mesh_terms: D003287:Contrast Media; D003944:Diagnostic Techniques, Obstetrical and Gynecological; D005187:Fallopian Tubes / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007047:Hysterosalpingography; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000175:diagnosis*; D010535:Laparoscopy; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011247:Pregnancy; D011274:Pregnancy, Tubal / Q000175:diagnosis*; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014599:Uterus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media