Fallopian tube obstruction treatment

  Tubal obstruction is an important cause of female infertility, mostly due to inflammation of the reproductive tract, endometriosis or congenital developmental abnormalities. The obstruction may be caused by intra-luminal blockage or extra-luminal adhesions and distortion and compression, or a combination of both.  The obstruction of the fallopian tube can be treated surgically according to the site and severity of the obstruction, to restore its natural patency as much as possible and to improve the natural conception rate, which has the advantages of being economical, safe, reproducible and self-regulating compared to artificial fertilization-embryo transfer (commonly known as IVF). Commonly used methods include: a. Tubal lavage and imaging Tubal lavage and imaging are both a means of examination and a treatment for loosened adhesions and mild obstruction, and can achieve complete patency after two to three treatments.  Interventional tubal recanalization under DSA Selective tubal imaging and recanalization is performed with a coaxial catheter system under the simultaneous monitoring of a clear DSA (digital subtraction angiography machine), mainly for patients with tubal obstruction in the interstitial and narrow parts of the fallopian tubes, and selective tubal imaging and lavage is feasible for all segments of tubal obstruction. Catheter dilation is mainly used to insert a catheter guidewire, which is used to unblock the fallopian tubes to the umbilical end by using the propulsive and dilating effect of the catheter guidewire and the impact of the contrast agent. The procedure is safe and efficient, less painful, requires no hospitalization, and has a high recanalization rate and postoperative pregnancy rate.  The interventional procedure is performed 3-7 days after the patient’s menstruation. After the procedure, the patient can leave the hospital lying down for 1-2 hours for observation. Uterine lavage was performed once 2-3 days after the procedure and for three consecutive months on 3-7 days after menstruation to consolidate the results. The second menstrual cycle after intervention can be used for elective sexual intercourse and pregnancy.  However, for a few patients with severe pelvic adhesions, interventional revascularization can barely reopen the tubal lumen, but the adhesions in the pelvic cavity cannot be resolved, and re-adhesions may occur after the procedure.  Combined hysteroscopic and laparoscopic surgery Combined hysteroscopic and laparoscopic exploratory surgery can solve pelvic adhesions and perform tubal ligation under direct vision, but the patient needs general anesthesia, artificial pneumoperitoneum and hospitalization, and the treatment cost is higher.  Patients who are not successful with the above treatments should not be discouraged, as IVF-ET is now available to solve the problem of tubal infertility and they will also have their own babies.