Abstract

PIP: The purpose of this case report is as follows: to attempt to establish an association between the observed increase in hydrosalpinx and the phenomenal increase in surgical sterilization; to present a credible etiology for iatrogenic hydrosalpinx; and to discuss the pathogenesis of a disease process henceforth referred to as post tubal ligation syndrome. A 36-year-old white woman was admitted to Park View Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee on January 7, 1981 for evaluation of continuous lower abdominal pain, abdominal pressure, and dyspareunia for several months. The woman had 2 children who were delivered vaginally. An abdominal tubal ligation was performed for sterilization when she was 27, and vaginal hysterectomy, with anterior and posterior colporrhaphy, was done for symptomatic pelvic relaxation at age 33. Physical examination showed tenderness without palpable masses in the pelvic adnexal areas. Laboratory studies were within normal limits. On January 9, 1981, the patient underwent exploratory laparotomy, and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. She was found to have bilateral hydrosalpinx. Historically, hydrosalpinx has been considered an intermediary step in pelvic inflammatory disease. Iatrogenic hydrosalpinx is, in essence, initiated by an initial insult, e.g., tubal ligation, fulguration, or application of a mechanical clip or band. Theoretically, single point interruption of a fallopian tube should produce no ill effects. The popularity and success of tubal ligation attest to single point interruption of an otherwise normal fallopian tube as an innocuous procedure. A schematic drawing is provided of the same tube insulted a 2nd time and consequently the situation is prefactory to development of hydrosalpinx, i.e., a tube lined with secretory epithelium is closed at both ends. Secretion within this closed system will produce dilatation. This "2nd" insult to the normal fallopian tube, post tubal ligation, may take 1 of several forms. The symptoms of iatrogenic hydrosalpinx are not pathognomonic. The most useful diagnostic tools are a high degree of suspicion, history of previous tubal ligation, and history of tubal ligation followed by hysterectomy with conservation of ovarian function.