Hysterosalpingography and Coelioscopy in the Exploration of Tubal Patency during Infertility Assessment

Abstract

Introduction: Infertility can have serious psychological and social repercussions on the life of a couple. Hysterosalpingography and laparoscopy are necessary exams for the exploration of tubal infertility. The aim of this study was to determine the concordance between these two exams in our daily practice. Patients and Methods: Our study was retrospective, cross-sectional, descriptive and comparative. It took place from January 2020 to August 2022 at the 'GRACE' medical clinic. Data were collected using a survey form and obtained from the patients' records, hysterosalpingography results and operative reports. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 20.0 software. Results: A total of 33 patients met our inclusion criteria. They had a mean age of 29.61+/-6.11 years with a minimum age of 18 years and a maximum of 42 years. Pelvic adhesions were the most common lesions found at laparoscopy. Hysterosalpingography was more specific (Sp=83.33%) than sensitive (Se=60%) in the diagnosis of proximal tubal obstructions. The sensitivity of hysterosalpingography was higher (Se=72.22%) than its specificity (Sp=20%) in the diagnosis of distal tubal obstructions. The concordance rate between the two exams (kappa) was 44% in the diagnosis of proximal tubal obstructions and 8.1% in the case of distal tubal obstructions. Conclusion: Our results corroborate those of the literature. Rather than substituting one for the other, hysterosalpingography and laparoscopy remain complementary examinations in the diagnosis of tubal infertility.