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Case Reports
. 2024 Mar 17;16(3):e56351.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.56351. eCollection 2024 Mar.

Isolated Unilateral Hydrosalpinx Torsion in a Post-Tubal Ligation Patient: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Shubhada Jajoo  1 , Suhas Jajoo  2 , Rucha Naval  3
Affiliations
Case Reports

Isolated Unilateral Hydrosalpinx Torsion in a Post-Tubal Ligation Patient: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Shubhada Jajoo et al. Cureus. .

Abstract

Isolated tubal torsion of the hydrosalpinx is a rare occurrence with a varied clinical presentation, presenting a diagnostic challenge. We present a case involving the isolated torsion of the right hydrosalpinx in a 33-year patient with a history of bilateral tubal ligation who presented with an acute abdomen. Based on ultrasound and clinical findings, an initial diagnosis of ovarian torsion was considered. However, escalating pain severity led to diagnostic laparotomy, revealing torsion in the right hydrosalpinx. Subsequent right salpingectomy was done, and as the patient had undergone tubal ligation, preventive left salpingectomy was also performed. Both ovaries were preserved. The patient experienced an uneventful recovery. A literature review uncovered fewer than 50 reported cases of unilateral or bilateral isolated fallopian tube torsion post-tubal ligation. This case underscores the diagnostic challenges associated with isolated tubal torsion and emphasizes the crucial role of early surgical intervention in preventing morbidity and preserving ovaries.

Keywords: fallopian tube torsion; hydrosalpinx; ischaemic necrosis; salpingectomy; undiagnosed abdominal pain.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Preoperative ultrasound: (A) cystic lesion in the pelvis; (B) cystic lesion showing absence of vascularity (torsion).
Figure 2
Figure 2. Abdomen in a standing position revealing no abnormalities.
Figure 3
Figure 3. Isolated hydrosalpinx with normal ovary (normal ovary seen picked up with Babcock's forceps).
Figure 4
Figure 4. Isolated, twisted, black-colored hydrosalpinx seen picked up with a finger.
Figure 5
Figure 5. Retort-shaped necrotic hydrosalpinx seen after removal.
Figure 6
Figure 6. Right hematosalpinx measuring 7 cm x 6.5 cm x 3 cm.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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