How to Remove Hydrosalpinx

A hydrosalpinx is a fallopian tube that is blocked with serous fluid at its distal end. This frequently happens in both fallopian tubes at the same time and is a classic cause of infertility. A hydrosalpinx occurs as a result of injury to the fallopian tube, its ampulla or its fimbria. The distal end of the fallopian closes and the fluid that is produced by glands in the fallopian accumulates, causing the fallopian tube to become distended. A hydrosalpinx is typically removed with laparoscopic surgery.

Things You'll Need

• hysterosalpingogram laparoscope

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Instructions

• 1

  Use ultrasound to initially assess the fallopian tubes. Place an ultrasound probe in the vagina to obtain the best view in most cases. A normal fallopian tube will probably not be visible while a hydrosalpinx typically has a sausage shape.

• 2

  Confirm the diagnosis of a hydrosalpinx with an hysterosalpingogram (HSG). Place dye through the cervix so that it enters the uterus and fallopian tubes. Take an x-ray of the uterus and fallopian tubes and look for the characteristic shape of the hydrosalpinx.

• 3

  Repair the hydrosalpinx in specific cases of younger women with relatively healthy eggs and ovaries. Use a laparoscope to make an incision in the end of the hydrosalpinx. This surgery is known as a neosalpingostomy and has a high recurrence rate.

• 4

  Perform a laparoscopic salpingectomy in most cases. Remove the effected fallopian tube with a laparoscope, especially in older women with a large hydrosalpinx. This procedure requires less than an hour and has a low risk with an experienced surgeon.

• 5

  Use in vitro fertilization as fertility therapy for women with fallopian tubes effected by a hydrosalpinx. Bypass the fallopian tubes and remove the eggs. Fertilize the eggs in the lab and implant the fertilized eggs in the uterus.