Hydrosalpinx: Blocked Fallopian Tube

A blocked tube or tubes can be a common cause of infertility in women. A blocked fallopian tube can be caused by pelvic inflammation, endometriosis or other conditions affecting the pelvic area. Pelvic inflammatory disease is the most common cause of tubal blockage.

A hydrosalpinx is a term referring to a fallopian tube that is blocked and filled with fluid. This fluid can cause the fallopian tube to swell up and dilate to a larger size than it was meant to be. Removal of the blockage can be necessary to save the fallopian tube and possibly restore fertility.

Many women are unaware that they may have a hydrosalpinx until they seek infertility treatment by an infertility specialist. In the diagnostic phase of infertility treatment, a hysterosalpingogram (HSG) test or ultrasound can show the hydrosalpinx. Laparoscopy is also used for many infertility problems and a hydrosalpinx may be discovered during an unrelated or exploratory laparoscopic procedure.

Neosalpingostomy is the type of surgery used to repair a blocked tube or tubes. It is common for a blocked fallopian tube to be adhered to an ovary or other surrounding organs with scar tissue or adhesions. Neosalpingostomy is a laparoscopic procedure and can be used to free the tube. Blockages may also be removed using the laparoscope. If the surgery is a success, then fertility can be restored. This is, of course, if the hydrosalpinx is the only cause of infertility.

This is a delicate surgery and it needs to be performed by an experienced and skilled surgeon. Inquire about success rates and experience before you decide on an infertility specialist or Reproductive Endocrinologist to perform your neosalpingostomy.

If the fallopian tube or tubes need to be removed, there is still a high pregnancy success rate by the use of in vitro fertilization (IVF). Leaving the hydrosalpinx in place could compromise your IVF efforts. Some believe that the fluid in the tube can leak into the uterine cavity having some effect on the pregnancy. The affected tube or tubes are sometimes completely removed or cut free from the uterus to improve the success rates of IVF attempts.

Tubal infertility is treatable and the treatments have come a long way. In vitro fertilization success rates vary from center to center, so in addition to inquiring about laparoscopic surgery and tubal blockage success rates, you may also want to research IVF success rates. These two things can increase your chances of choosing an infertility specialist that is right for you with the experience and expertise in this area to help you be on your way to the best infertility treatment available.

About the Author: Eric Daiter is the medical director of The NJ Center for Fertility and Reproductive Medicine, LLC, a leading NEW JERSEY INFERTILITY CENTER that offers a complete range of MALE INFERTILITY AND FEMALE INFERTILITY TREATMENT. For more information on The NJ Center for Fertility and Reproductive Medicine and Dr. Eric Daiter please visit www.drericdaitermd.com.

Anatomy of the Fallopian Tubes and Infertility

The fallopian tubes are located on either side of the uterus. They continue outwards towards the ovaries. At the end of each fallopian tube is a fimbria, or finger-like structure that reaches out towards the ovary to catch eggs when they are released. The fimbria stimulates the ovary when it is time for ovulation. The cilia of the fimbria direct the egg down the fallopian tube towards the uterus.
This section of the fallopian tube, which contains the fimbria, is called the infundibulum. The infundibulum opens into a dilated part of the fallopian tube called the ampulla. The ampulla is where fertilization of the egg generally takes place. Once the egg is fertilized, it will travel down the isthmus, a more narrow part of the fallopian tube. Then it enters the intramural oviduct, which is basically the entrance to the uterus.
The fallopian tubes are made up of three primary layers. The first and innermost layer of the fallopian tubes is called the mucosa. This layer secretes mucus and protects the fallopian tubes. The mucosa has a distinct appearance and can help differentiate between the portions of the fallopian tubes described above. The second layer of the fallopian tubes is called the muscularis externa. This layer is basically a layer of muscle tissue capable of contracting. These contractions help move fluid and eggs through the fallopian tubes. The third layer is the serosa. This is a smooth outer lining.
Problems with the fallopian tubes can lead to infertility. Blockages, inflammation and dysfunction of the fallopian tubes are common causes of infertility. Pelvic inflammatory disease affects the uterus, fallopian tubes and/or ovaries. Inflammation inside the fallopian tube can prevent the passage of an egg and inhibit the chances of a successful pregnancy. This inflammation can eventually cause tissues to stick together and turn into a scar. Scar tissue and adhesions are common causes of blockage in the fallopian tubes. Pelvic inflammatory disease is most commonly caused by sexually transmitted diseases or bacterial infections, although other causes are also possible.
Tubal occlusion or blockage can be tested by x-ray. A dye is injected into the cervix. It travels up through the uterus and into the fallopian tubes. If the dye spills out into the abdominal cavity, then there isn’t a complete blockage in the tube. This procedure is called a hysterosalpingogram. There may be a partial blockage still present, or the tube itself may not be functional enough to transport an egg all the way to the uterus.
If there isn’t a complete blockage of the fallopian tube, then a laparoscopy can be performed to assess the tubal damage. Sometimes surgery can correct tubal damage, or in vitro fertilization may be recommended by your doctor or infertility specialist.

About the Author: Eric Daiter is the medical director of The NJ Center for Fertility and Reproductive Medicine, LLC, a leading NEW JERSEY INFERTILITY CENTER that offers a complete range of MALE INFERTILITY AND FEMALE INFERTILITY TREATMENT. For more information on The NJ Center for Fertility and Reproductive Medicine and Dr. Eric Daiter please visit www.drericdaitermd.com.