Application of oviduct radionuclide imaging in laparoscopy with infertility

Abstract

Objective To investigate the value of improved radionuclide imaging in the evaluation of fallopian patency by hysterosalpingography (HSG) and laparoscopy. Methods A total of 166 cases showed at least one side of tubal patency in HSG were considered in this study. Of these cases, 19 were unilaterally obstructed fallopian tubes, 222 were obstructed fallopian tubes, and 91 were unobstructed fallopian tubes. Radionuclide imaging was conducted, and the results were compared with laparoscopy results. Results Radionuclide imaging showed a damage rate of 78.3% in patients with unobstructed tubes in HSG. In the unobstructed fallopian tube group, radionuclide imaging and laparoscopic examination differed significantly(χ2 = 27.56, P <0.005). When the laparoscopic examination showed tubal patency, radionuclide oviduct imaging showed normal or mildly impaired fallopian tubes. When the laparoscopic examination showed poor tubal patency, radionuclide oviduct imaging showed moderately damaged,severely damaged, or nonfunctional tubes. Conclusions Radionuclide imaging of the fallopian tubes with different degrees of damage has great clinical value in evaluating the patency and extent of damage of fallopian tubes and is an efficient guide to the choice of laparoscopy, especially in patients with tubal patency in HSG. Key words: Infertility, female; Fallopian tube; Radionuclide imaging; Laparoscopy; Hysterosalp-ingography