Salpingoscopy: systematic use in diagnostic laparoscopy

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the importance of salpingoscopy together with laparoscopy in the diagnosis of tubal pathology.

Design: Salpingoscopy was performed as a complementary method in patients who were subjected to diagnostic laparoscopy. The relationship between the salpingoscopy and (1) the patient's previous history of tubal disease and (2) laparoscopic diagnoses was evaluated.

Setting: Private patients referred to the Instituto de Fertilidad, Buenos Aires.

Patients, participants: Forty-two patients undergoing a diagnostic laparoscopy during the evaluation of their fertility or as a follow-up of previous therapy.

Main outcome measure(s): Salpingoscopy was performed, using a colpomicrohysteroscope. We evaluated alterations in major and minor folds and their vascularization, the presence of microadhesions, and cellular nuclei dyed with methylene blue in the tubal lumen.

Results: Fifty percent of the patients who had no previous history of tubal disease presented with endosalpingeal alterations, and in 37% of the normal laparoscopies the salpinx had unilateral or bilateral salpingoscopic abnormalities.

Conclusions: Salpingoscopy is a useful method to evaluate oviducts, before assuming their normality, and consideration of these women for assisted reproductive technology.