Infertility investigation through saline infusion sonohysterosalpingography

Along with the sexual revolution there was a drasting increase in the number of cases presenting with infertility and a shift in the major causes from ovarian and uterine anomalies, to tubal infertility. Thus, it was necessary to develop better means of evaluation of tubal permeability and morphology. The technological development in the ultrasound field made it possible to introduce into clinical practice a sonographic assessment of the fallopian tubes. Started as a transabdominal examination, with poor results, it moved towards a transvaginal approach, with a good visualization, improved by Doppler and three-dimensional rendering modes. Material and methods: We created a study group of 27 patients examined by sono-hysterosalpingography (sonoHSG) over a period of nine months. The procedure was performed as part of the routine assessment of the infertile couple, during the days 5 to 10 of the menstrual cycle. Results: According to the quality of the images and the diagnostic information we divided the patients into three categories. Results were checked by laparoscopy, performed in 21 out of 27 patients. The general positive diagnostic rate was 70.3% with a false positive rate of 11.1% and no false negative results. Conclusions: With improving technique, sonoHSG may become a easier method to assess fallopian tubes. It is well tolerated by the patients, may be employed as an out-patient procedure and is almost sideeffects free.