A preoperative classification to predict the intrauterine and ectopic pregnancy rates after distal tubal microsurgery

Abstract

A simple preoperative classification is described to predict the intrauterine and ectopic pregnancy rates following distal tubal microsurgery. Laser CO2 microsurgical salpingostomies were performed on 76 patients between January 1979 and January 1984. All of the patients underwent a preoperative assessment, which included hysterosalpingogram and laparoscopy, to formulate a preoperative classification based on a point system. The patients were divided into four groups according to tubal damage, with a subsequent intrauterine pregnancy rate of 58.3% in grade I, 36.6% in grade II, 9.5% in grade III, and 0% in grade IV. The patients were divided into four groups according to adhesions, with a subsequent intrauterine pregnancy rate of 38.8% with no adhesion, 32.0% with mild adhesions, 26.6% with moderate adhesions, and 5.5% with severe adhesions. From these results, a preoperative management is proposed for patients being considered for either distal tubal microsurgery or in vitro fertilization.