Diagnosis of cornual obstruction by transcervical fallopian tube cannulation

Abstract

Interstitial fallopian tube obstruction (IFTO) occurs in 15% of hysterosalpingograms (HSG) performed for infertility. Conventional HSG or laparoscopy may not differentiate cornual spasm or other temporary cause from true obstruction. We used transcervical cannulation of the proximal oviduct with a 3-F Teflon catheter and flexible guidewire 0.018 inch (0.043 cm) in diameter under hysteroscopic or fluoroscopic guidance to evaluate IFTO in 28 patients. Fluoroscopic catheterization techniques with selective salpingography demonstrated patency in 84% of obstructed tubes. Hysteroscopic cannulation with direct visualization by laparoscopy or laparotomy was successful in 92%. In one patient, perforation of the isthmus occurred without sequelae. Transcervical coaxial cannulation of the proximal oviduct is an effective method for evaluating cornual obstruction.