BLOCKED TUBES (HYDROSALPINX)

Damage to the fallopian tubes as a result of prior infection, endometriosis or previous pelvic surgery is one of the most common causes of infertility. Tubal blockage can occur in several locations. Often the ends of the tubes are obstructed, while the openings into the uterus are still patent/open. In many cases the tube is filled with fluid which is called a hydrosalpinx. Whereas surgery is not indicated to improve fertility outcome in the era of IVF for patients with significant tubal disease, the exception is the presence of hydrosalpinges.
 
Recent literature has shown that fluid in the tubes (hydrosalpinx) contains dead cells and other toxic products that are highly detrimental to embryo development and implantation. Hydrosalpingeal fluid can leak back into the uterus, cause a mechanical barrier to implantation and also decrease the binding proteins (i.e. integrins) that are essential to embryo attachment to the uterine wall. In a prospective randomized trial, pregnancy rates were significantly higher following IVF in patients who had removal of hydrosalpinges (compared to leaving them intact). Additionally, the expression of these binding proteins on the uterine wall significantly improved after removal of hydrosalpinges.
 
Treatment of hydrosalpinx includes re-opening of the tubes to allow natural conception (neosalpingostomy), prox