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Review
. 2021 Apr;43(4):304-310.
doi: 10.1055/s-0040-1722155. Epub 2021 Feb 18.

Effects of Hydrosalpinx on Endometrial Implantation Failures: Evaluating Salpingectomy in Women Undergoing in vitro fertilization

Antonio Palagiano  1 , Mauro Cozzolino  2   3   4 , Filippo Maria Ubaldi  5 , Chiara Palagiano  6 , Maria Elisabetta Coccia  7
Affiliations
Review

Effects of Hydrosalpinx on Endometrial Implantation Failures: Evaluating Salpingectomy in Women Undergoing in vitro fertilization

Antonio Palagiano et al. Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2021 Apr.

Abstract

Hydrosalpinx is a disease characterized by the obstruction of the salpinx, with progressive accumulation in the shape of a fluid-filled sac at the distal part of the tuba uterina, and closed to the ovary. Women with hydrosalpinges have lower implantation and pregnancy rates due to a combination of mechanical and chemical factors thought to disrupt the endometrial environment. Evidence suggests that the presence of hydrosalpinx reduces the rate of pregnancy with assisted reproductive technology. The main aim of the present is review to make an overview of the possible effects of hydrosalpinx on in vitro fertilization (IVF). We conducted a literature search on the PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, and Google Scholar data bases regarding hydrosalpinx and IVF outcomes. Hydrosalpinx probably has a direct toxic effect on sperm motility and on the embryos. In addition, the increasing liquid inside the salpinges could alter the mechanisms of endometrial receptivity. The window of endometrial receptivity is essential in the implantation of blastocysts, and it triggers multiple reactions arising from the endometrium as well as the blastocysts. Hydrosalpinx could influence the expression of homeobox A10 (HOXA10) gene, which plays an essential role in directing embryonic development and implantation. Salpingectomy restores the endometrial expression of HOXA10; therefore, it may be one mechanism by which tubal removal could result in improved implantation rates in IVF. In addition, salpingectomy does not affect the ovarian response, nor reduces the antral follicle count. Further studies are needed to establish the therapeutic value of fluid aspiration under ultrasonographic guidance, during or after oocyte retrieval, in terms of pregnancy rate and ongoing pregnancy.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have no conflict of interests to delcare.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Mechanisms responsible for the formation of the hydrosalpinx fluid.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Mechanisms through which the chlamydia cycle occurs within infected cells.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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