Radiological intervention for tubal recanalization

  The radiological interventional technique of tubal revascularization is usually performed under a digital subtraction angiography (DSA) machine. The use of a large DSA machine with high definition instead of a traditional X-ray machine greatly improves the clarity of the images and provides continuous and complete dynamic images of the whole tubal process, which cannot be achieved by other treatment methods.  Platia et al, in 1984, for the first time, applied a flexible guidewire directly to the obstruction point to perform local imaging and lavage, which not only clarified the site of obstruction, but also separated the adhesions and obstruction of the fallopian tubes with the help of local flushing medication and expansion of the guidewire, which, together with the pushing and supporting effect of liquid hydrostatic pressure, enabled the tubes to be reopened and consolidated. With the development of medical technology and the advancement of medical equipment, it is now more advanced and perfect.  Currently, there are two main steps in the treatment of tubal recanalization: Step 1: hysterosalpingography; Step 2: tubal recanalization.  Step 1: Hysterosalpingography: 5-7 days after clean menstruation, without acute inflammation of the reproductive tract and with negative iodine allergy test, performed under sterile conditions. Generally, under the surveillance of DSA machine, double balloons and three lumen catheter apex are placed into the uterus, the double balloons are flushed up and stuck inside and outside the cervical opening, and about 8ml of contrast is injected from the end of the catheter to show the condition of the uterus and bilateral fallopian tubes. Not only can it accurately diagnose whether the tubes are obstructed bilaterally or not, the site of obstruction and the presence and degree of fluid accumulation, but it can also be equivalent to gynecological lavage treatment, which plays a certain therapeutic role for some patients with mild tubal obstruction or incompetence. It is the gold standard and preferred method to diagnose tubal obstruction or not.  Step 2: Tubal recanalization: After the first step of diagnostic imaging, if the tubes are well patched, no recanalization treatment is needed, if they are poorly patched or obstructed, or if they are waterlogged, the next step of recanalization treatment is needed. There are two types of tubal recanalization procedures.  The first procedure: liquid pressure percussion, which is suitable for patients with mild tubal obstruction or minor adhesions. With the gradual increase of pressure in the uterine cavity or fallopian tube, the blocked fallopian tube is gradually opened by the blunt separation of the contrast agent injected into the uterine cavity. Once the blocked fallopian tubes are separated and opened, the recanalization fluid or contrast agent accumulated in the uterine cavity and fallopian tubes will rapidly enter the pelvic cavity, at which time the pressure suddenly disappears.  The level of manual pushing pressure depends on the patient’s tolerance, the degree of tubal obstruction and the function of the endocervix (isthmus), provided that the balloon catheter does not rebound back into the vagina and the patient can tolerate it.  The second procedure: guidewire recanalization, which is suitable for patients with heavy tubal obstruction and severe adhesions. If the first procedure does not resolve the problem, a second procedure is required. The coaxial catheter is placed in the opening of the fallopian tube, and a micro-guide wire is inserted along the micro-catheter to the site of obstruction. The micro-guide wire is gently pushed back and forth and withdrawn after passing through the obstruction site.  During the procedure, we should pay attention to the following points and thoughts: 1. The recanalization treatment should be performed in the above order.  2. The secretions and blood in the uterine cavity may be withdrawn to avoid adding unnecessary foreign bodies into the fallopian tubes.  3. In the past, we abandoned recanalization treatment in patients with distal tubal obstruction and hydrocele according to textbook requirements, but with the increase of patients and experience, we found that some of such patients could also be evacuated by experimental treatment and there were a few cases of pregnancy. This is an exciting news for us.  4. Our recanalization fluid rationing method (confidential) with ozone (dose confidential) for tubal obstruction has significantly higher pregnancy rates than most literature reports and most peer hospitals, and has been identified by the national medical appraisal department as leading in China.