Technical Video: Bilateral Tubal Adhesiolysis With Cuff Salpingostomy

Abstract

Study ObjectiveTo show the steps involved in a bilateral tubal adhesiolysis and cuff salpingostomy. DesignTechnical video showing tubal adhesiolysis and cuff salpingostomy in a step-by-step approach. SettingMinimal Access Therapy Training Unit, Royal Surrey County Hospital, Guildford, UK, a tertiary referral unit for complex gynecologic endoscopic surgery. InterventionsA 38-year-old woman presented with left-sided pelvic pain and primary infertility for 13 years. An ultrasound scan showed bilateral hydrosalpinges with suspected adnexal adhesions. Hysterosalpingography did not show spill of dye. After counseling, she opted to have tubal adhesiolysis and bilateral cuff salpingostomy. ConclusionTubal surgery for occlusion has become less popular because of the superior success rates of assisted reproductive techniques. As a result, tubal surgery may eventually become a historic operation. However, in cases of distal tubal blockage after adhesionlysis and cuff salpingostomy or neosalpingostomy, pregnancy rates up to 35% have been reported in the literature. Furthermore, performing a bilateral salpingectomy instead in these cases renders a patient entirely dependent on assisted reproductive techniques for tubal factor infertility. Therefore, a bilateral cuff salpingostomy should be considered in a select group of patients.