Hysteroscopic selective salpingography.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of hysteroscopic selective salpingography (HSS) as a method for diagnosing the tubal proximal occlusion shown by hysterosalpingography (HSG). DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: Outpatient Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Social Insurance Saitama Chuo Hospital, Urawa, Japan. PATIENT(S): A total of 572 infertile women underwent HSG. Forty-seven of 50 women with unilateral or bilateral proximal tubal occlusion demonstrated by HSG underwent HSS. INTERVENTION(S): Hysteroscopic selective salpingography was performed for the diagnosis of tubal occlusion in cases in which the proximal tubal occlusion was shown by HSG. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Number of patients who underwent HSS and pregnancy rate after HSS. RESULT(S): Twenty-seven (79.4%) of 34 patients with unilateral occlusion diagnosed by HSG were shown to have normal patency by HSS. Of 12 women with bilaterally normal patent tubes confirmed by HSS, 8 (66.7%) achieved normal pregnancies within 1 year. Seven (53.8%) of 13 patients with bilateral occlusion found by HSG were shown to have normally patent tubes by HSS. CONCLUSION: The simple method of HSS was clinically effective for evaluating the presence of proximal tubal occlusion.     

Investigation of the uterine cavity and fallopian tubes using three-dimensional saline sonohysterosalpingography.

OBJECTIVE: To compare three-dimensional saline sonohysterosalpingography (SHSG) to X-ray hysterosalpingography (HSG) for the evaluation of the uterine cavity and fallopian tubes. PATIENT POPULATION: Fifteen infertile women on whom X-ray HSG had been performed within 1 year prior to this study. METHOD: Fifteen infertile women underwent three-dimensional power Doppler examination of the uterus and fallopian tubes with three-dimensional SHSG during the follicular phase. Distension was achieved using sterile saline injected through a 5 French HSG catheter. Peritoneal accumulation of free fluid surrounding the ovary and tube was required for a diagnosis of a patent tube. Fluid accumulation in the cul-de-sac without visualization of the tubes was considered consistent with at least one tube being patent. RESULTS: three-dimensional saline SHSG was completed in 14 patients. One patient had cervical stenosis and the procedure could not be performed. No significant intrauterine pathology was identified by either X-ray HSG or sonography. Three-dimensional saline SHSG made false positive diagnoses of tubal occlusion in four out of seven fallopian tubes (57%). The sensitivity and specificity for detecting tubal occlusion was 75 and 83%, respectively, with a positive predictive value of 40% and negative predictive value of 95%. Detection of fallopian tube architecture was not possible with three-dimensional saline SHSG in any patient. Simultaneous use of three-dimensional Doppler did not clearly identify the flow of saline through the fallopian tubes. CONCLUSIONS: Transvaginal three-dimensional saline SHSG provides good visualization of the uterine cavity and myometrial walls in three orthogonal planes. However, it does not diagnose tubal occlusion or depict architecture of the fallopian tube as accurately as X-ray HSG. Although we were able to visualize the distal fallopian tube and fimbria with real-time imaging, we were not able to satisfactorily image the proximal tube with three-dimensional power Doppler. This technique may be reserved as an initial screening test to evaluate the uterine cavity and test patency. Patients at high risk for tubal disease by history or with suspected tubal occlusion on three-dimensional saline SHSG should be evaluated by either X-ray HSG or laparoscopy with chromopertubation. Further improvements of three-dimensional technology and contrast materials will, it is hoped, make this method comparable to X-ray HSG.     

Comparison of hysterosalpingographic and laparoscopic findings in tubal factor of sterility (author's transl)

Hysterosalpingographic and laparoscopic findings in 116 sterile women with the ovulatory cycle and the fertile spermiogram of their husbands were compared. Laparoscopy was performed in 65 patients in whom hysterosalpingography (HSG) revealed the occlusion of one or both tubes localized at the abdominal orifice, then in 23 women with unobstructed tubes and pertubal adhesions, and in 28 women in whom HSG findings were normal and who did not conceive at least 6 months after HSG. In 69% of cases the results of both methods were similar, whereas in 31% of cases laparoscopic findings, 18 laparoscopic findings showed significant by hysterosalpingography. Out of 28 normal HSG findings, 18 laparoscopic findings showed significant pathologic tubal changes. In unilateral occlusions HSG revealed peritubal adhesions in unobstructed tubes in 4 cases and laparoscopy in 18 out of 24 cases along with the agglutination of the fimbria and periovarian adhesions. In the whole group of the women examined, HSG revealed periadnexal adhesions in 39 (33%) and laparoscopy in 69 cases (59%).     

Hysterosalpingography in the preoperative evaluation of tubal anastomosis candidates

The value of the hysterosalpingogram (HSG) in the investigation of women requesting reversal of tubal sterilization has never been established. Accordingly, we reviewed the preoperative HSGs performed on 54 women and the surgical findings of these and 27 additional patients who underwent laparoscopy and/or laparotomy for tubal anastomosis. The observation of interstitial, isthmic, and ampullary obstruction by HSG correctly correlated with surgical findings in 12%, 94%, and 69% of cases, respectively. The decision to perform an anastomosis was made in 14 of 17 (82.4%) tubes with interstitial obstruction, 45 of 51 (88.2%) tubes with isthmic occlusion, and 26 of 36 (72.2%) tubes with ampullary occlusion. When distal tubal occlusion was demonstrated by HSG (36/104 tubes, 34.6%), 10 had no repairable ampullary segments. The site of tubal occlusion on HSG was not predictive of a repairable tube. We conclude that the routine HSG is not warranted in the preoperative evaluation of candidates for tubal anastomosis.     

Saline sonohysterosalpingographic findings in infertile Nigerian women.

This paper describes the findings in the first 100 women who underwent saline sonohysterosalpingography (SHG) at two privately owned health facilities in Enugu, South East Nigeria. This was a prospective study of the first 100 consecutive women presenting with infertility to the authors at Mbanefo Hospital and Hansa Clinics, both in Enugu, South-East geopolitical zone of Nigeria from 1 May 2005 to 20 January 2006. Saline sonohysterosalpingography was carried out in the standard way in these women. The findings were analysed using simple percentages and means +/- SD. The procedure was completed in 98 women, while in two others it was not possible to cannulate the uterine cavity. A total of 61 of the women had normal uterine musculature, 37 had interstitial fibroids and two had sonographic features of adenomyosis. Regarding the endometrial cavity, 93 women had a normal endometrium, four had a submucosal fibroid, one had intrauterine adhesions, while the endometrial cavity could not be assessed in two women who could not be cannulated. No case of submucosal polyp or uterine septa or other congenital uterine anomalies was seen. As assessed sonologically, 77 of the study subjects had bilateral patent tubes, while five had unilateral tubal patency. In one woman, there was uncertainty about tubal patency or blockage; in two women, the tubes could not be assessed because of non-cannulation of the uterine cavity and in 15 women, both tubes were blocked. A total of 74 women had normal ovaries; 15 had polycystic ovaries; five had atrophic ovaries consistent with ovarian failure and six women had ovarian cysts. In 18 women, the findings at sonosalpingography (SSG) were confirmed at laparoscopy in 11 women or laparotomy (two women) or by the fact that the patients became pregnant (five women). In 15 (83.3%) of these 18 women, the findings at SSG and laparotomy/laparoscopy or of the woman becoming pregnant were compatible. SSG is a useful screening test for assessing endometrial, tubal and ovarian factors in infertile Nigerian women, thereby obviating the need for laparoscopy and hysteroscopy in the majority of cases.     

Hysteroscopic evaluation and endocrinological aspects of women with müllerian anomalies and oligomenorrhea

In a prospective study of 28 consecutive patients with oligomenorrhea, two had uterus didelphys, and the incidence of mild müllerian anomalies was 50.0%, assessed by hysterosalpingography (HSG). The objects of the study were (1) to confirm these müllerian anomalies hysteroscopically, (2) to assess the predictive value of an abnormal and a normal fundal contour on the HSG, and (3) to find anamnestic, chromosomal, or hormonal characteristics, if any, for women with oligomenorrhea and müllerian anomalies. Twelve patients underwent HSG followed by hysteroscopy, at which a septum or fundal convexity was confirmed in six out of seven patients in whom HSG had shown a mild to moderate indentation of the fundus, but showed no such sign in any of the five patients in the control group in whom the uterine contours had been normal on the HSG (P less than .01). There were no evident anamnestic, chromosomal, or hormonal characteristics for women having uterine developmental anomalies and oligomenorrhea, but there was a major or minor shift in certain androgenic metabolites in some of the patients in this group. It is concluded that HSG seems of great value in diagnosing uterine septa, but hysteroscopy afforded more precise information concerning the degree of fundal anomaly. Longitudinal, more standardized studies are needed for further elucidation of the etiology of the oligomenorrhea in these patients.     

Advances in the assessment of the uterus and fallopian tube function

Hysterosalpingo-contrast-sonography (HyCoSy) using saline and Echovist is a well tolerated outpatient technique that provides a significant amount of information of relevance to the infertile woman that is not obtainable at hysterosalpingogram (HSG) whilst avoiding exposure to X-ray irradiation. When performed by experienced operators, it serves as a valuable, first-line screening test for the more invasive procedures of laparoscopy and dye chromopertubation and hysteroscopy. If detailed diagnostic information is required in women in whom there is no clinical or ultrasound evidence of pelvic pathology, the surgical technique of fertiloscopy can be considered to be appropriate. This technique permits confirmation that the ovum pick-up mechanism is normal, the tubes are patent and the uterine cavity is normal, while salpingoscopy and microsalpingoscopy permit the assessment of the tubal lumen.     

Should diagnostic hysteroscopy be a routine procedure during diagnostic laparoscopy in women with normal hysterosalpingography?

The advantage of hysteroscopy (HSC) over hysterosalpingography (HSG) in the accuracy of the diagnosis of uterine cavity abnormalities that may cause or contribute to infertility has been shown by numerous studies. The aim of this study was to analyse the results obtained from diagnostic HSC performed routinely during diagnostic laparoscopy in the investigation of the infertile women, to evaluate the effectiveness of the procedure in the diagnosis of uterine causes of female infertility. Ninety-three infertile patients with normal uterine cavity as demonstrated in HSG underwent diagnostic laparoscopy and hysteroscopy in this infertility unit. The hysteroscopy showed a normal cavity in 80 cases (88%), giving a false-negative rate of 12% for HSG. The pathologies found included small adhesions (two cases), an arcuate fundus (two cases), an endometrial polyp (three cases), and endometrial hyperplasia was diagnosed in four cases. In the absence of a positive history or a radiographical suggestion of endometrial abnormalities, or both, HSC made little diagnostic contribution towards elucidating the cause of female infertility or to finding a pathology that could affect the chances of achieving a normal pregnancy. However, in view of the low complication rates, minimal time requirement, and a negligible effect on the post-operative course, HSC could be performed on all infertile patients undergoing diagnostic laparoscopy.     

Role of hysteroscopy in the evaluation of tubal patency in infertile women

Study objectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of hysteroscopy as a method for the diagnosis of tubal patency using saline distention media.DesignProspective cohort study.SettingInfertility clinic of the Ain-shams University maternity hospital.Materials & methodsSixty-four infertile women underwent hysteroscopy (HSC) and hysterosalpingography (HSG) on two consecutive days. Transvaginal ultrasonography (TVS) was carried out before and after hysteroscopy in order to measure the fluid in the cul-de-sac. The difference between the two methods in the diagnosis of tubal patency was compared using laparoscopy/chromotubation as a gold standard.Main outcome measuresFluid volume measurements were used to determine a cut off value for tubal patency. Pain was recorded at the end of the process.ResultsAccording to the laparoscopy, the sensitivity and specificity of HSC and HSG in detecting tubal patency were 94.6% and 100% vs. 92.8% and 50%, respectively. The best cut off point of the fluid volume in the cul-de-sac at which both tubes are patent is 6 ml. All of the patients reported significantly less pain during hysteroscopy in response to HSG.ConclusionsOffice hysteroscopy combined with TVS may be used as an alternative to HSG, as an effective, easy, safe and minimal invasive office procedure that can be offered as a first line method for the evaluation of the uterine cavity along with the tubes in infertile women.     

Abnormal findings on hysterosalpingography: effects on fecundity in a donor insemination program using frozen semen.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to evaluate the effect of abnormal baseline hysterosalpingography (HSG) on subsequent fecundity during the first six cycles of treatment. METHODS: Hysterosalpingography was performed on 208 asymptomatic ovulatory women with no history of pelvic disease who were referred for donor insemination. The findings were categorized into five groups: 1) normal study, 2) uterine anomaly or filling defect with bilateral tubal patency, 3) normal uterine anatomy with unilateral tubal patency, 4) normal uterine anatomy with bilateral tubal blockage, and 5) normal uterine anatomy with hydrosalpinx. Subjects in groups 4 and 5 received inseminations only if patency of at least one fallopian tube was demonstrated with laparoscopy. Life-table analysis was performed to calculate the average monthly fecundity and cumulative conception rates for each group. The Mantel-Haenszel test was used to compare group fecundities. RESULTS: A total of 1460 donor insemination cycles were performed. The number of cycles in each group were as follows: group 1, 1173 (80%); group 2, 153 (10%); group 3, 90 (6.2%); group 4, 16 (1.1%); and group 5, 28 (1.9%). None of the patients in group 4 or 5 conceived. The cumulative conception rates in the first three groups were 46, 34, and 40%, respectively, and were not significantly different from one another (P greater than .05). Although a high incidence of uterine filling defects and unilateral tubal blockage was observed (19.2%), the incidence of an abnormal HSG finding that significantly decreased fecundity was only 2.8%. CONCLUSION: In women with no history of tubal or uterine disease, routine HSG before initiation of donor insemination is of limited value for identifying decreased treatment fecundity.     

Comparison of assessing the patency of the Fallopian tubes during laparoscopy and during hysterosalpingography on television in infertile women with endometriosis

OBJECTIVES: Sterility become nowadays not only medical, but as well socio-economic problem. One of its major causes is endometriosis. Recurrent adnexitis--one of the most common symptoms of endometriosis might be the cause of fallopian tubes occlusion. The hysterosalpingography (HSG) can be helpful to diagnose this tubal pathology. DESIGN: To compare the assessment of fallopian tubes patency during HSG with the results of laparoscopy in infertile women with endometriosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 331 women with endometriosis who were diagnosed during laparoscopy examination between 1998-2002 due to sterility. The presence of endometriosis was confirmed during laparoscopy. In each patient the control of the patency of both fallopian tubes was performed. These data were confirmed with those from HSG performed during follicular phase on the television path. The absence of the contrast passage through fallopian tubes as well as the only trace contrast passage into abdominal cavity were classified as tubal obstruction. RESULTS: In patients during the HSG physiological uterine shape and size in 91.3%, the bicornis uterus in 6.6%, and the unicornis uterus in 2.1% were observed. During laparoscopy we diagnosed the physiological uterine shape and size in 88.8%, the bicornis uterus in 8.2%, and the unicornis uterus in 3.0%. The diagnostic compatibility of these both examinations was 90.6%. In HSG the correct anatomical course of both fallopian tubes without occlusions in 51.7%, the only unilateral patency in 36.7%, and bilateral occlusions in 11.6% were found. During laparoscopy we diagnosed the anatomical course of both fallopian tubes without occlusions in 36.7%, the only unilateral patency in 33.3%, and bilateral occlusions in 30.0%. The diagnostic compatibility of these both examinations was 49.6% for both fallopian tubes, and 34.2% for the only one fallopian tube. In 16.2% both results were incompatible. CONCLUSIONS: The incorrect contrast passage through the fallopian tubes and its increased pressure during HSG in women with the characteristic history and clinical symptoms can suggest endometriosis. In these cases laparoscopy is necessary as the additional examination in the diagnostics of fallopian tubes patency, but the only objective method in diagnosis of endometriosis.     

Pelvic endoscopy in diagnosing fallopian tube disorders that cause infertility]

Over the period of 25 years, 1080 pelvic endoscopy in infertile women were performed, with special attention payed to the pathology of Fallopian tubes. Pelvic endoscopy was performed after previous HSG. During the pelvic endoscopy, the state of the uterus, ovaries and uterine tubes were evaluated, with much attention paid to the condition of the abdominal ostium of the uterine tube, symptoms of active and chronic inflammation, endometriosis, the authors also tried to diagnose the extension and character of pelvic-salpingian adhesions. Confrontation of the results enabled diagnosis in 111 (41.7%) women, out of 266, with patient Fallopian tubes the organic factors which impaired conception or made conception impossible. In the group of 814 women with tubal impotency in 15 (1.8%) cases extratubal factor was found, subserosal myoma in uterine horn, cyst, adhesions, while Fallopian tube itself was patent and unchanged. Organic factors of Fallopian tube disorder were determined. In 360 (44.2%) patients, out of 814, with tubal impotency pathological status was found (active salpingitis, tuberculosis, endometriosis) which required establishing of a necessary treatment and cancelling the surgical treatment.     

Hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography compared with hysterosalpingography and laparoscopic dye pertubation to evaluate tubal patency

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the advantages and accuracy of hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography (HyCoSy) in assessing tubal patency compared with hysterosalpingogram (HSG) and laparoscopic dye pertubation. DESIGN: Prospective study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). SETTING: Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, University of Rome Tor Vergata. PATIENTS: Twenty-three women with at least 1 year of infertility, and 15 women with a history of chronic pelvic pain, suspected endometriosis, or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), or with sonographic markers of adhesions. INTERVENTIONS: HyCoSy, HSG, and laparoscopic dye pertubation. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: All patients underwent HyCoSy during the proliferative phase using air with saline as contrast medium, and HSG within 1 month of HyCoSy. Laparoscopy and dye pertubation were performed only in women with chronic pelvic pain, suspected endometriosis, PID, and sonographic markers of adhesions. In women undergoing all three procedures, HSG and HyCoSy had the same high concordance as laparoscopy, 86.7% and 86.7%, respectively. Three women in the infertility group became pregnant immediately after HyCoSy and dropped out of the study. In one woman, HyCoSy could not be performed because of cervical stenosis. Considering the total number of tubes (67), concordance between HyCoSy and HSG was 89.6%. CONCLUSION: Transvaginal HyCoSy using a combination of air and saline appears to be an inexpensive, fast, and well-tolerated method of determining tubal patency. One of the most important advantages of this technique is, in our opinion, the possibility of obtaining information on tubal status and the uterine cavity at the same time as conventional ultrasound scan is performed.     

The accuracy of hysterosalpingography versus laparoscopy in evaluation of infertile women

Two hundred fifteen infertile women underwent hysterosalpingography (HSG) and laparoscopy. One hundred twenty-eight patients had bilaterally patent tubes on hysterosalpingography. Thirty-one percent of these women had pelvic adhesions diagnosed by laparoscopy. Eighty-seven women had either occluded tubes or suspected pelvic adhesions on hysterosalpingography. Thirty-nine percent of these women had patent tubes without any pelvic pathology on laparoscopy. Inaccurate diagnoses limit the value of hysterosalpingography in evaluation of tubal and peritubal pathology.     

High incidence of tubal dysfunction is determined by laparoscopy in cases with positive<Emphasis Type="Italic">Chlamydia trachomatis</Emphasis> antibody despite negative finding in prior hysterosalpingography

Aim:  Hysterosalpingography (HSG) is one of the most commonly used methods in order to evaluate the condition of fallopian tubes in infertility clinics. In the present paper, we retrospectively compared the findings of HSG and laparoscopy to elucidate the relationship between tubal dysfunction and background factors, such as Chlamydia trachomatis infection, endometriosis and previous surgery.
Methods:  We retrospectively reviewed clinical records of 314 patients who were examined by both HSG and laparoscopy between 1996 and 2001 in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Tokyo.
Results:  When HSG findings were evaluated in reference to those of laparoscopy, sensitivity and specificity for tubal patency were 0.63 and 0.79, respectively, whereas those for peri-tubal adhesion were 0.65 and 0.61, respectively. We compared the percentage of existence of background factors between the patients who were diagnosed as normal by both HSG and laparoscopy (Group L[+]) and those whose fallopian tubes were observed as patent by HSG, but were not patent by chromopertubation under laparoscopy (Group L[–]). The percentage of patients with positive chlamydial antibodies in Group L(–) (42.9%, 15/35) was significantly higher than that of patients with positive chlamydial antibodies in Group L(+) (22.8%, 44/193, P  < 0.05).
Conclusions:  These finding suggested that even if HSG showed normally patent tubes in a patient with positive Chlamydia trachomatis antibodies, the possibility of tubal occulusion still remains high and further examination by laparoscopy is recommended. (Reprod Med Biol 2007; 6 : 39–43)     

Combining NovaSure? endometrial ablation and Essure? hysteroscopic sterilization: a feasibility study to evaluate the confirmation tests

Since NovaSure? endometrial ablation (GEA) is not reliable as contraception, a reliable permanent contraceptive method which can be offered during the same operative session is often preferred by patients. We present a series of 24 patients treated by NovaSure? GEA followed by Essure? hysteroscopic sterilization at the same session. Bilateral placement of the micro-inserts after GEA was successful in all 24 patients. Confirmation by ultrasound and plain X-ray of the pelvis indicated a correct position in all 48 tubes. Routine follow-up by hysterosalpingography (HSG) to document bilateral tubal occlusion was only possible in 17/23 (74%) patients; these 34 tubes were blocked. In 6/23 (26%) patients, tubal occlusion could not be determined by HSG because of minimal filling of the uterine cavity with contrast medium. The latter was caused by severe uterine synechiae. All patients were satisfied with the result of GEA at 3 months; 19 women (83%) reported amenorrhea and the others, a strong reduction in menstrual blood loss. The combination of Essure? hysteroscopic sterilization and NovaSure? GEA is feasible and safe. However, after this combined approach the HSG as confirmation test is not always useful because of severe synechiae.     

Value of 3D ultrasound in the management of suspected Asherman's syndrome

OBJECTIVE: To assess the value of 3-dimensional (3D) ultrasound in the management of patients with suspected Asherman's syndrome. STUDY DESIGN: A case series of 54 infertile patients who presented to a tertiary care center between 1998 and 2004 with suspected Asherman's syndrome underwent both hysterosalpingography and 3D ultrasound prior to hysteroscopy. Sensitivity and the ability to attain fertility postoperatively were calculated. RESULTS: Intrauterine adhesions (IUAs) were demonstrated on 3D ultrasound and HSG in all cases and confirmed by hysteroscopy. However, 3D ultrasound had a sensitivity of 100% and HSG a sensitivity of 66.7% for correctly grading the extent of IUAs. In 61.1% of cases in which HSG results were inconsistent with hysteroscopy, lower uterine segment outflow obstruction was present, and HSG misclassified findings as severe Asherman's with complete cavity obstruction. Postoperatively, 90% of patients conceived. CONCLUSION: 3D ultrasound provides a more accurate depiction of adhesions and extent of cavity damage than HSG in patients with suspected Asherman's syndrome, particularly when differentiating severe IUAs from lower uterine segment outflow obstruction. Therefore, grading systems utilizing HSG to classify severity of disease should be revised to include 3D ultrasound findings.     

Is hysteroscopy of value in the investigation of female infertility?

A prospective multicentre study was designed to ascertain the value of hysteroscopy in the evaluation of female infertility. The study comprises 619 CO2 hysteroscopies in women complaining of infertility. Four hundred and ninety nine examinations (80%) were performed without anaesthesia or cervical dilatation. Twenty eight cases of malformation were diagnosed. Adhesions were found in 68 patients (11%), polypi in 56 (9.1%) and submucous fibroids in 51 (8.2%). Endometrial hyperplasia was diagnosed by hysteroscopy in 67 patients, but there was only 42% histological correlation. Examination of the tubal ostia by hysteroscopy revealed 26 patients (4%) with unilateral tubocornual polyps and one with bilateral polyps. The correlation with hysterosalpingography (HSG) in 185 patients was poor. In 20% where the HSG was reported as normal there were hysteroscopically demonstrable lesions whereas there were false positive findings at HSG in 35% of cases. Hysteroscopy is the only technique which provides an accurate clinical evaluation of the uterine cavity although it does not provide significant information about the cervical canal or fallopian tubes.     

Role of office hysteroscopy in the evaluation of infertile women after controlled ovarian stimulation/intra uterine insemination failure

ObjectiveTo assess the role of office hysteroscopy (OH) in the evaluation of infertile women with normal HSG who fail to conceive after undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation/intrauterine insemination (COS/IUI).DesignProspective cohort study.Materials and methodsThe study included 141 patients with absent pelvic pathology on trans vaginal sonography and HSG and history of failed three or more trials of COS/IUI. Office hysteroscopy was then done and any detected intrauterine pathology was recorded.ResultsA total of 141 patients were examined by OH of which 26 patients proved to have uterine pathology, giving a false negative rate of (18.4%) of HSG. The overall agreement between HSG and OH was 81.6%.ConclusionSignificant uterine pathology was proved in 18.4% infertile women in spite of normal HSG results. OH has a role in infertile women with no obvious abnormality on HSG before they proceed to more aggressive treatment.     

Screening sonohysterography in infertility.

This prospective comparative study was carried out to assess the value of sonohysterography (SHG) in evaluating both the endometrial cavity and tubal patency in infertile patients and to compare its results with hysterosalpingography (HSG), diagnostic hysteroscopy and laparoscopic chromopertubation. It comprised 84 infertile women who were examined using SHG the day before combined diagnostic laparoscopy and hysteroscopy. Eighty-three patients had had HSG within 6 months. As regards the appearance of the endometrial cavity, the results of SHG agreed with hysteroscopy in 72.2% (k = 0.31) while HSG agreed with hysteroscopy in 75.6% (k = 0.39) of cases. The appearance of the right and left tubes using SHG agreed with laparoscopy in 72.4% (k = 0.16) and 60.5% (k = 0.13), respectively, while HSG agreed with laparoscopy in 94% (k = 0.52) and 90.4% (k = 0. 51), respectively. However, when the appearance of fluid in DP was considered as an indirect indicator of patency of at least one tube at SHG, the agreement with laparoscopy rised to 88.1% (k = 0.24) and 85.7% (k = 0.18) for both tubes respectively. In conclusion, SHG is similar to HSG as regards the appearance of the endometrial cavity but it is inferior to it for evaluating tubal factor. The implication of SHG in the infertility work-up as a simple and fast procedure can minimize costs and abuses of sophisticated techniques particularly in the developing countries with limited resources.