Transvaginal recanalization of the obstructed fallopian tube

Since the first report of successful transvaginal recanalization of the occluded fallopian tube, a protocol for evaluation of the technical feasibility of the procedure and its impact on infertility has been initiated. Patients are accepted only if bilateral fallopian tube obstruction has been demonstrated by prior hysterosalpingography and if laparoscopy has excluded other causes for infertility. Repeat hysterosalpingography, including use of intravenous glucagon (1 mg) when necessary is performed on initial evaluation. Of 26 patients referred for treatment of tubal obstruction, nine patients were found to have tubal patency, indicating the importance of careful reevaluation. The 17 remaining patients underwent the transvaginal recanalization procedure. The technical success of the procedure is high (88%), particularly with use of either the system developed by Thurmond et al or a system with slightly modified catheters. Two pregnancies, one ectopic and one intrauterine, occurred in the same ovulatory cycle of the recanalization procedure