[Effect of pelvic inflammatory disease grades on in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer outcome]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of different grades of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and of salpingectomy on outcomes of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET).

METHODS

Two hundred and twenty three cycles of IVF-ET were divided into three groups, including mild group, moderate group and severe group, according to different grades of sequelae of PID finding in exploratory operations before IVF. Patients in each group were divided into two subgroups according to receiving salpingectomy or not. The data of total dose of gonadotrophin (Gn), oocyte number, low response rate, fertilization rate, good embryo number and pregnancy rate were analysed between three groups and the two subgroups of each group, respectively.

RESULTS

All parameters were related to PID grades except fertilization rate. The total dose of Gn, oocyte number, good embryo number, low response rate and pregnancy rate were (2057 +/- 503) IU/L, (16 +/- 6), (6.0 +/- 4.3), 4.2%, 63.9% in mild group; (2204 +/- 603) IU/L, (12 +/- 6), (4.5 +/- 3.5), 13.9%, 46.8% in moderate group; and (2372 +/- 1018) IU/L, (9 +/- 6), (3.1 +/- 2.9), 33.8%, 41.2% in severe group. The total dose of Gn and low response rate increased with the aggravation of the grades of PID (P < 0.05). The oocyte number, good embryo number and pregnancy rate also had significant differences between three groups (P < 0.01, P < 0.01, P < 0.05, respectively). In mild and severe groups, the salpingectomy had no contribution to the outcome of IVF-ET treatment. In moderate group, patients receiving salpingectomy had more oocytes and good embryos and higher pregnancy rate than the others who retained oviducts (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Grades of PID have an adverse effect on IVF-ET outcomes. Receiving salpingectomy or not should be based on different grades of PID, but operations of ovary-free should be performed in all patients.

Unusual mechanism of isolated torsion of fallopian tube following minor trauma. Herniation through a broad ligament tear

Isolated torsion of the fallopian tube without ovarian involvement and associated pathology is a rare event. We report an 18-year-old single female who presented with acute lower abdominal pain during menstruation after a minor trauma of the pelvis. It was diagnosed as isolated torsion of normal right tube during laparatomy due to herniation of the tube through a tear in the broad ligament.

[Contrast sono hysterosalpingography in the study of endometrial abnormalities and tubal patency in infertile patients]

The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic value and the usefulness of sono hysterosalpingography (SHG) in the detection of uterine abnormalities and tubal patency, compared with other diagnostic methods among patient with infertility. In a prospective study, 86 patients in the initial stage of the infertility treatment were examined by SHG using saline NaCl infundibular and Echovist as contrast media. Further status of the tubes and uterine cavity was assessed by the "gold standards", laparoscopy and hysteroscopy. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and the negative predictive value of SHG using NaCl infundibular for evaluation of the uterine cavity were 98.8%, 92.5%, 91.4% and 92%, respectively. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and the negative predictive value of SHG for the assessment of the tubal status were 97.6%, 89.2%, 76.3% and 77.4%, respectively. There were no evident complications during or after the procedure. Sono hysterosalpingography is useful in making decisions regarding further procedures for the diagnosis and treatment of infertility. This method is simple, safe and cheap for early assessment of the reproductive status of uterine cavity and fallopian tubes and perspective as a routine, first-line infertility investigation.

Tubal patency following surgical and clinical treatment of ectopic pregnancy

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE

As there is little information about fertility outcomes among women following clinical treatment (methotrexate and expectant management) and surgery (salpingectomy) consequent to ectopic pregnancy, we evaluate the results from hysterosalpingography subsequent to treatment. The objective was to evaluate contralateral tubal patency using hysterosalpingography following surgery and clinical treatment of tubal pregnancy.

DESIGN AND SETTING

This was a prospective study at the Department of Obstetrics of Universidade Federal de São Paulo, a tertiary center.

METHOD

Among 115 patients who underwent hysterosalpingography following surgery and clinical treatment of tubal pregnancy between April 1994 and February 2002, 30 were treated with a single intramuscular dose of methotrexate (50 mg/m(2)), 50 were followed up expectantly and 35 underwent salpingectomy.

RESULTS

The patency of the ipsilateral tube was 84% after methotrexate treatment and 78% after expectant management. In addition, contralateral tubal patency was 97% after methotrexate treatment, 92% after expectant management and 83% after salpingectomy. There were no statistically significant differences between the clinical treatment and surgery groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings from this study suggest similar contralateral tubal patency rates following salpingectomy, methotrexate treatment and expectant management.

Diagnosis of fallopian tube patency

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate and compare the diagnostic value of hysterosalpingography (HSG) and laparoscopic chromopertubation (LCP), in the diagnosis of fallopian tube patency.

DESIGN

A comparative prospective study.

SETTING

The infertility clinic of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ga-Rankuwa hospital (Medical University of Southern Africa), Pretoria, South Africa.

SUBJECTS

Fifty patients were initially diagnosed with either unilateral or bilateral tubal block using HSG. Six to eight weeks later the same women were subjected to LCP to assess tubal patency.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Diagnostic accuracy of HSG to establish tubal patency, site of occlusion and the presence of other pathologies was compared with results obtained after laparoscopic chromopertubation (LCP).

RESULTS

Hysterosalpingography diagnosed bilateral proximal, bilateral distal and mixed (i.e. one side proximal and the other distal) tubal occlusion in 15(40.5%); 13(35.1%) and five (13.5%) cases respectively. Diagnostic laparoscopy confirmed the above sites of occlusion in nine (24.3%), 71(45.9%) and three (8.1%) cases. Laparoscopy detected bilateral tubal patience in three (8.1%) patients, in whom HSG had diagnosed tubal occlusion. USG was able to detect peritubal Adhesion in only four (10.8%) patients as compared with 11 patients when LCP procedure was used. In comparison with HCP, hysterosalpingography demonstrated 70% specificity for accurately diagnosing proximal tubal occlusion.

CONCLUSION

On a comparative scale, HSG demonstrated reduced positive predictive value especially for bilateral proximal tubal occlusion. However, in spite of its relatively limited value for accurately identifying tubal patency, HSG should still serve as a useful primary investigation.

Fimbrio-Ovarian Relationship in Unexplained Infertility

INTRODUCTION

The role of defective fimbrio-ovarian relation in cases of unexplained infertility has not been extensively studied. The aim of the study was to assess the role of fimbrio-ovarian relation as an investigative modality in women with unexplained infertility. We also aimed to evaluate the efficacy of superovulation and freeing the fimbria-ovarica in increasing the conception rate of women with unexplained infertility.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a prospective study where out of 80 infertile couples, 19 women with unexplained infertility were recruited as study group. Fifteen fertile women were recruited as control group. During laparoscopy the length of the fimbria-ovarica and the ovulation border was measured. The fimbrio-ovarian accessibility test was demonstrated by holding the tubal fimbria by a non-traumatizing grasper and their ability to reach or cover the ovulation site. The freeing of the fimbria-ovarica was done, if its length was less than 2 cm. All cases were given ovulation induction for consecutive six cycles and were followed up to document any conception.

RESULTS

The mean length of the fimbria-ovarica was significantly less in patients with unexplained infertility (2.5 +/- 0.6 vs. 3.55 +/- 0.8 cm). The mean length of the ovulation border was not significantly different in cases and controls (2.95 +/- 0.6 vs. 3.55 +/- 0.5 cm). The fimbrio-ovarian accessibility test was positive in 6 (31.5%) cases and in 14 (93%) controls. The fimbrio-ovarian accessibility test was negative in 13 (68.4%) cases and in 1 (7%) control. Out of the 13 cases with negative FOAT, 7 had fimbrial length less than 2 cm and in whom the freeing of fimbria-ovarica was done because of severe resistance during stretching. Out of 7 patients in whom freeing of fimbria-ovarica was done 3 conceived (42.8%). Out of the 12 patients who got only ovulation induction 3 conceived (25%).

CONCLUSION

Fimbrio-ovarian accessibility test appears to be a promising investigative modality to assess ovarian pick-up in patients with unexplained infertility. Correcting fimbrio-ovarian relation (freeing short fimbria-ovarica) improves pregnancy rate in women with unexplained infertility.

Sonographic appearance of fallopian tube carcinoma

Fallopian tube carcinoma is the least common of gynecological malignancies. We report the case of a 56-year-old woman who presented with a 2 1/2-year history of intermittent vaginal bleeding and lower abdominal pain. Transvaginal sonography revealed a cystic lesion of the fallopian tube with papillary projections, distinct from the ovary and uterus. Doppler examination showed low vascular impedance (resistance index 0.50, pulsatility index 0.80). The suspicion of tubal malignancy was confirmed at surgery.

[Smoking and ectopic pregnancy: is there a causal relationship?]

Tobacco smoking is often studied as a risk factor in epidemiology. The impact on fertility and pregnancy is significant. At conception, maternal smoking may have an effect on the occurrence of ectopic pregnancy. Experimental studies on hamsters show interactions between tobacco and the oviduct. These interactions may explain the role of tobacco in ectopic pregnancy. Eleven case-control studies compared smoking in two groups of women: a cases group with ectopic pregnancy, and a control group. Ten of them found a relationship between tobacco smoking and ectopic pregnancy (increased relative risk). Considering this results, we must encourage women to reduce or better to stop smoking.

Effect of human hydrosalpinx fluid on the development of mouse embryos and role of the concentration of growth factors in culture medium with and without hydrosalpinx fluid

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of human hydrosalpinx fluid (HF) on the development and blastulation of mouse embryos and the role of the concentration of growth factors in culture medium with and without HF. In total, 2100 mouse embryos were cultured. Female mice were induced to superovulate and then mated with males. Two-cell-stage embryos were recovered from the oviduct and cultured in Ham's F-10 medium with bovine serum albumin and HF. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) were analyzed by quantitative enzyme immunoassay. Mean blastulation index of 1.11, 0.97 and 0.98 was found at HF concentration of 5%, 20% and 30%, respectively (p = 0.8). The mean value of EGF in the control culture medium without HF was 11.2 pg/ml, which was statistically significantly different from that in culture medium containing HF (p < 0.001). The mean value of IGF-I in the control group without HF was 1.30 pg/ml and was not statistically significantly different from that in culture medium containing HF. Development of the two-cell-stage embryos was not affected at low (< 30%) HF concentrations. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that even apparently normal blastulation is affected by any concentration of HF because of low embryonic EGF.

Aberrant cannabinoid signaling impairs oviductal transport of embryos

Ectopic pregnancy is a major reproductive health issue. Although other underlying causes remain largely unknown, one cause of ectopic pregnancy is embryo retention in the fallopian tube. Here we show that genetic or pharmacologic silencing of cannabinoid receptor CB1 causes retention of a large number of embryos in the mouse oviduct, eventually leading to pregnancy failure. This is reversed by isoproterenol, a beta-adrenergic receptor agonist. Impaired oviductal embryo transport is also observed in wild-type mice treated with methanandamide. Collectively, the results suggest that aberrant cannabinoid signaling impedes coordinated oviductal smooth muscle contraction and relaxation crucial to normal oviductal embryo transport. Colocalization of CB1 and beta2-adrenergic receptors in the oviduct muscularis implies that a basal endocannabinoid tone in collaboration with adrenergic receptors coordinates oviductal motility for normal journey of embryos into the uterus. Besides uncovering a new regulatory mechanism, this study could be clinically relevant to ectopic pregnancy.

Increased messenger RNA expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and its receptors in the implantation site of the human oviduct with ectopic gestation

OBJECTIVE

To compare the mRNA expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptors (KDR and flt-1) in the implantation and nonimplantation sites of the human oviduct with ectopic gestation.

DESIGN

Prospective observational study.

SETTING

University-based Obstetrics and Gynecology Department.

PATIENT(S)

Ten women undergoing laparoscopic salpingectomy for tubal pregnancy.

INTERVENTION(S)

The mucosal layer was isolated from the implantation and nonimplantation sites of the oviduct tissue with ectopic gestation. Semiquantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction was performed.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

The differences in the mRNA expression of VEGF and its receptors between the implantation and nonimplantation sites of the oviduct tissue.

RESULT(S)

The mRNA expression of VEGF and its receptors, both KDR and flt-1, was significantly higher in the implantation site of the human oviduct with ectopic gestation compared with the nonimplantation site.

CONCLUSION(S)

The results suggest that VEGF may be the angiogenic factor responsible for the implantation and placentation of an ectopic pregnancy in the oviduct.

The potential value of tubal perfusion pressures measured during selective salpingography in predicting fertility

BACKGROUND

The value of tubal perfusion pressures assessed during selective salpingography and tubal catheterization in predicting fertility has not been investigated.

METHODS

A total of 325 infertile women underwent selective salpingography and tubal catheterization. Pregnancy information was collected in 256 (78.7%). The 50th (300 mmHg) and 90th (500 mmHg) centiles of the tubal perfusion pressure distribution in women with normal tubes on selective salpingography were used as thresholds. Women were divided into three tubal perfusion pressure groups: good (both tubes <300, or one tube <300 and the other 300-500 mmHg), mediocre (both tubes 300-500, or one tube <300 and the other >500 mmHg) and poor (both tubes >500, or one tube > 500 and the other 300-500 mmHg).

RESULTS

The pregnancy rate in the good perfusion pressure group was significantly higher than that in the poor perfusion pressure group, both when all non-IVF/ICSI first conceptions (P = 0.001) as well as when spontaneous first conceptions only were considered (P = 0.010). The pregnancy rate in the mediocre group lay between the good and the poor groups, though none of the comparisons reached statistical significance.

CONCLUSIONS

Selective salpingography can provide additional diagnostic information in comparison with other tubal assessment tests. Tubal perfusion pressures may be predictive of future fertility.

Successful conception following Fallopian tube recanalization in infertile patients with a unilateral proximally occluded tube and a contralateral patent tube

BACKGROUND

There are many published case reports of successful conception following transcervical Fallopian tube recanalization (T-FTR) in patients with bilateral proximally occluded Fallopian tubes. However, no serial trials have been published with respect to successful conception following unilateral tubal recanalization in infertile patients with a unilateral proximally occluded tube and a contralateral patent tube. This study was designated to analyse the success rate of T-FTR and the pregnancy rate due to natural fertilization in the lumen of the recanalized tube in these patients.

METHODS

We have encountered only 11 patients with this abnormality in our department in the past 10 years. T-FTR with fluoroscopic guidance was performed in these patients, confirmed by at least two hysterosalpingographies to exclude tubal spasm. The uterine catheter devised by us was used during the procedure.

RESULTS

All 11 Fallopian tubes were successfully opened by T-FTR. In the six patients who conceived, a preovulatory follicle was demonstrated on the side of the cannulated tube during the conception. The success rate of recanalization, the pregnancy rate due to fertilization in the lumen of the recanalized tube and the successful delivery rate were 100, 55 and 36% respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that a functional and/or organic disorder in the patent tube resulted in infertility in patients with unilateral proximal tubal obstruction. Our results further show that recanalization of occluded tubes is an effective treatment. Thus, recognition of successful conception following T-FTR in these patients will be beneficial to our clinical approach to this infertile condition.

[Disturbed utero-tubal transport in hysterosalpingoscintigraphy as a predictive functional test for IVF therapy]

Hysterosalpingoscintigraphy (HSSG) is a simple method to evaluate the transport function of uterus and fallopian tubes. There is a quick uptake of radionuclides into the uterus and a transport to the side bearing the dominant follicle in 70 % of the patients in the late follicular phase of the cycle. Uptake and transport of the immotile radionuclides imitate the directed sperm transport through the female genital tract at the time of ovulation. 214 of 796 infertility patients with proven patency of fallopian tubes (27 %) showed only an uptake of the particles without a transport towards the fallopian tubes (negative HSSG). In these patients no spontaneous pregnancy occurred and pregnancy rate remained low by the means of timed intercourse or insemination. Indeed, the pregnancy rate (8.4 %) was significantly lower compared with the patients who became pregnant by timed intercourse, insemination or spontaneously and had a positive HSSG before (15 %; p=0.001). However, the pregnancy rate that could only be achieved by methods of ART was significantly higher in the group of patients with negative HSSG (57 % vs. 25 %, p=0.05). Our data suggest that HSSG is a new method to evaluate the integrity of the inner genital tract's transport function, especially in patients suffering from idiopathic infertility. Impaired transport function (negative HSSG) should be considered as an indication for IVF-treatment.

Hysterosalpingographic accuracy of peritubal adhesion

The purpose of this study was to determine diagnostic accuracy of hysterosalpingography by using different diagnostic criteria in peritubal adhesion diagnosis. The authors retrospectively reviewed cases in which both hysterosalpingography and laparoscopy were performed. Fifty-nine of 84 cases had laparoscopy proved peritubal adhesion. Five hysterosalpingographic signs (convoluted tube, vertical tube, ampullary dilatation, peritubal halo and loculation of the spillage of contrast material) defined by Karasick and Goldfarb were used to diagnose peritubal adhesion. All cases were analyzed by two different diagnostic criteria: first diagnostic criterion, presence of one or more signs means abnormal; second diagnostic criterion, presence of two or more signs means abnormal. Peritubal adhesion was diagnosed in 70 of 84 cases by using the first diagnostic criterion, 53 of 84 cases by using the second diagnostic criterion. The first diagnostic criterion displayed 94.9 per cent sensitivity, 44 per cent specificity, 80 per cent positive predictive value, 79.76 per cent accuracy and the likelihood ratio of 1.69. The second diagnostic criterion showed 74.6 per cent sensitivity, 64 per cent specificity, 83 per cent positive predictive value, 71.43 per cent accuracy and the likelihood ratio of 2.07. The authors conclude that using the 2nd diagnostic criterion is more appropriate than using the 1st diagnostic criterion in diagnosing peritubal adhesion.

Influence of pelvic endometriosis and ovarian endometrioma on fertility

We investigated the influence of pelvic endometriosis and ovarian endometrioma on pregnancy outcome in women associated with infertility. A total of 237 women with endometriosis were reviewed, and their fertility rate was assessed by both r-AFS staging and TOP classification as previously proposed by our group. There was no significant difference in pregnancy rate among r-AFS stages. However, the pregnancy rate was mostly affected by the tubal condition according to the TOP classification as follows: no adhesive lesion (T0), 53% (69/129); unilateral lesion (T1), 46% (18/39); bilateral lesion with at least one tube patent, (T2), 37% (10/27); bilateral tubal occlusion (T3), 0% (0/8) (p < 0.05, Mantel-Extension test). The absence (O0-O1) or co-existence (O2-O3) of ovarian endometrioma and different gradings of cul-de-sac obliteration (P2-P3) showed no significant differences in pregnancy rate. The resulting conception rate was also not affected by the size or location of ovarian endometrioma. In addition, the higher adhesion score of ovarian endometrioma involving the fallopian tube and as described in r-AFS classification had a significant detrimental effect on fertility. These observations suggest that our TOP classification describing individual tubal condition has a clinically predictive value in assessing the reproductive outcome of women with endometriosis.

Electron microscopic studies of ciliogenesis and ciliary abnormalities in human oviduct epithelium

Ciliogenesis in human oviduct epithelium was studied with transmission and scanning electron microscopes. Both centriolar and acentriolar pathways were involved in duplication of centrioles. The plasma membrane surrounding the base of new cilia invaginated toward the distal end of the basal body during formation of transitional fibers. Fibrous granules were involved in development of striated rootlets in addition to formation of centrioles. The tips of rootlets elongated in fibrils with a banding pattern different from that of usual rootlets; further the fibrils' tips were laterally connected to cell organelles (mostly mitochondria). Ciliogenic cells in early stages contained secretory granule-like vesicles, suggesting that ciliogenic cells are differentiated from secretory cells. The ordinary course of ciliogenesis was disturbed in some ciliogenic cells, resulting in formation of various ciliary abnormalities. Intracytoplasmic ciliated cysts, cilia within periciliary sheaths, and intracytoplasmic axonemes were formed due to disturbance of migration of duplicated centrioles. Swollen cilia and some compound cilia were developed during ciliary elongation.

Reproductive outcome after surgical treatment of ectopic pregnancy

OBJECTIVES

Reproductive outcome after laparoscopy or laparotomy performed for treatment of ectopic pregnancy.

METHODS

Data of 104 women were collected by a questionnaire and from medical records.

RESULTS

No differences in pregnancy rate were found comparing the two different operative procedures. Women with a normal contralateral fallopian tube had a better pregnancy rate compared with those with a damaged contralateral tube.

CONCLUSIONS

The crucial factor for future reproductive outcome after surgical treatment of ectopic pregnancy is the status of the contralateral tube.

[A comparative assessment of different cryotherapy methods for patients with chronic nonspecific salpingo=oophoritis]

97 females at reproductive age with chronic nonspecific salpingo-oophoritis (CNSO) were examined and treated. The results of the treatment (vaginal and external impact) demonstrate positive effects of various cryotherapeutic techniques on CNSO clinical course, on hormonal and immune unbalance, functional activity of the uterine tubes, regional hemodynamics, psychoemotional status. Thus, cryotherapy is an effective adjuvant in combined therapy of CNSO.

Infertility following pelvic inflammatory disease

OBJECTIVE

To assess the frequency of infertility after pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and factors important in postinfectious tubal damage in an urban population at high risk for sexually transmitted diseases.

METHODS

From a cohort of 213 women with PID documented by laparoscopy and/or endometrial biopsy, 58 women (27% of the initial cohort) were interviewed by phone 2 to 9 years after an index episode of PID. Data regarding the initial history, physical examination, microbiology, laparoscopic, and serologic findings, and data concerning interval contraception, subsequent pregnancy, subsequent infection, and chronic pelvic pain were compared among those with and without infertility at follow up.

RESULTS

Nineteen (40%) of the 48 women not using contraception were involuntarily infertile after the index episode of PID. Compared with those who had an interval pregnancy, infertile women were older (P = 0.02), more likely to have a history of infertility prior to the index episode of PID (P = 0.001), and were more likely to have occluded or partially occluded fallopian tubes (P = 0.03), peritubal adhesions (P = 0.007), or perihepatic adhesions (P = 0.02) seen by laparoscopy performed during the index episode. Surprisingly, recovery of Chlamydia trachomatis was negatively related to infertility (P = 0.001), although a similar proportion of both groups had chlamydia immunoglobulin M antibody (40% vs. 31%). Chlamydia heat shock protein was weakly related to infertility (P = 0.08). The isolation of Neisseria gonorrhoeae was not significantly different between groups (53% vs. 57%).

CONCLUSIONS

The high rate of postinfection infertility found was probably related to a combination of tubal damage before and during the index episode of PID. Prevention of recurrent PID and better understanding of the pathophysiology of postinfection tubal damage (which may differ between chlamydia and gonorrhea) is needed to develop more effective strategies to reduce permanent tubal damage.

Infertility following pelvic inflammatory disease

OBJECTIVE

To assess the frequency of infertility after pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and factors important in postinfectious tubal damage in an urban population at high risk for sexually transmitted diseases.

METHODS

From a cohort of 213 women with PID documented by laparoscopy and/or endometrial biopsy, 58 women (27% of the initial cohort) were interviewed by phone 2 to 9 years after an index episode of PID. Data regarding the initial history, physical examination, microbiology, laparoscopic, and serologic findings, and data concerning interval contraception, subsequent pregnancy, subsequent infection, and chronic pelvic pain were compared among those with and without infertility at follow up.

RESULTS

Nineteen (40%) of the 48 women not using contraception were involuntarily infertile after the index episode of PID. Compared with those who had an interval pregnancy, infertile women were older (P = 0.02), more likely to have a history of infertility prior to the index episode of PID (P = 0.001), and were more likely to have occluded or partially occluded fallopian tubes (P = 0.03), peritubal adhesions (P = 0.007), or perihepatic adhesions (P = 0.02) seen by laparoscopy performed during the index episode. Surprisingly, recovery of Chlamydia trachomatis was negatively related to infertility (P = 0.001), although a similar proportion of both groups had chlamydia immunoglobulin M antibody (40% vs. 31%). Chlamydia heat shock protein was weakly related to infertility (P = 0.08). The isolation of Neisseria gonorrhoeae was not significantly different between groups (53% vs. 57%).

CONCLUSIONS

The high rate of postinfection infertility found was probably related to a combination of tubal damage before and during the index episode of PID. Prevention of recurrent PID and better understanding of the pathophysiology of postinfection tubal damage (which may differ between chlamydia and gonorrhea) is needed to develop more effective strategies to reduce permanent tubal damage.

Tubal patency after laparoscopic treatment of ectopic pregnancy

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate operative course, tubal patency and reproductive performance after laparoscopic treatment of ectopic pregnancy in relation to initial human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) values and to the kind of operation.

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

PATIENTS

Fourty-five patients affected by ectopic pregnancies: thirty-two treated with laparoscopic linear salpingotomy subvided into two groups depending on the hCG serum values < 10,000 mUl/ml (twenty patients: group 1) or > 10,000 mUl/ml (twelve patients Group 2), thirteen patients (Group 3) undergoing laparoscopic salpingectomy. Hysterosalpingographic examination was performed two or three months after surgery.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Operative time, major surgical complications, tubal patency and pregnancy rate after surgery.

RESULTS

Operative time was significantly (p < 0.05) lower in both group 1 and 3 (22.5 +/- 3.2 and 19.1 +/- 6.3, respectively) than in group 2 (39.4 +/- 5.6). Bilateral patent tubes were observed in eighteen cases of group 1 (90%) and eight cases of group 2 (60%). No statistically significant differences were found between the pregnancy rate of both group 1 (8/18) and 2 (3/8) and of group 3 (3/11).

CONCLUSIONS

Reproductive outcome is similar in both conservative and destructive laparoscopic management of ectopic pregnancy: furthermore it shows a trend of improvement, not statistically significant, in conservative treatment.

Tubal patency and fertility outcome after expectant management of ectopic pregnancy

OBJECTIVE

To study tubal patency and fertility outcome of patients with expectantly managed ectopic pregnancy (EP).

DESIGN

A prospective study.

SETTING

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Turku University Central Hospital, Turku, Finland.

PATIENT(S)

Thirty patients who wanted to become pregnant again were treated successfully by expectant management of EP.

INTERVENTION(S)

Patients were examined with posttreatment hysterosalpingography, and they filled out a questionnaire about their subsequent pregnancies.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Free passage through open lumen showing tubal patency; number of full-term pregnancies and EPs revealing relative rate of subsequent fertility.

RESULT(S)

A free passage through the diseased tube was seen in 93% of the cases (28 of 30). Two of the 24 patients (8.4%) who wanted to become pregnant had an obstruction in the diseased tube. One (4.2%) of them had a normal opposite tube and later had a normal pregnancy. The other (4.2%) had an obstruction in both tubes and subsequently had a repeat EP. One of the 6 patients had an EP (this patient did not want to become pregnant and did not use contraception). However, her posttreatment hysterosalpingography was normal. In total, the subsequent pregnancy rate was 88% (21 of 24), and the rate of repeat EP was 4.2% (1 of 24).

CONCLUSION(S)

Patients who are treated with expectant management have a good long-term fertility outcome. Spontaneous regression of EP does not lead to increased harm or damage to the tube, i.e., the risk for repeat EP is low.