Volume 94, Issue 8 p. 768-773

Salpingoscopy: a new pre-operative diagnostic tool in tubal infertility

I. BROSENS

Corresponding Author

I. BROSENS

University of Leuven, B-3000 Belgium Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Centre for Microsurgery

Prof Dr I. Brosens, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, U.Z. Gasthuisberg, Herestraat 49, B-3000 Leuven, BelgiumSearch for more papers by this author
W. BOECKX

W. BOECKX

University of Leuven, B-3000 Belgium Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Centre for Microsurgery

Search for more papers by this author
Ph. DELATTIN

Ph. DELATTIN

University of Leuven, B-3000 Belgium Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Centre for Microsurgery

Search for more papers by this author
P. PUTTEMANS

P. PUTTEMANS

University of Leuven, B-3000 Belgium Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Centre for Microsurgery

Search for more papers by this author
G. VASQUEZ

G. VASQUEZ

University of Leuven, B-3000 Belgium Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Centre for Microsurgery

Search for more papers by this author
First published: August 1987
Citations: 55

Abstract

Summary. Endoscopy of the fallopian tube allows examination of the tubal mucosa in subfertile patients. Clinical and morphological studies have shown a high correlation between the appearance of the tubal mucosa and the ultimate outcome in terms of pregnancies. Salpingoscopy was originally performed during laparotomy for reconstructive tubal surgery. The present study describes the use of a rigid 3 mm telescope passed along the channel of the operating laparoscope to assess the mucosa of the infundibulum and ampullary segment. Lesions of the infundibulum and ampullary segment have been detected in patients with apparently normal tubes on the hysterosalpingogram and at laparoscopy. The extent of the mucosal lesions can be assessed preoperatively in patients with tubal adhesions, tubo-cornual or isthmic lesions and hydrosalpinges.