Hydrosalpinx: Tubal surgery or in vitro fertilisation? An everlasting dilemma nowadays; a narrative review

Proximal tubal occlusion first or oocyte retrieval first for patients with hydrosalpinx?

PURPOSE

Our study aimed to investigate the best time to manage hydrosalpinx to improve pregnancy outcomes during in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET).

METHODS

Patients with hydrosalpinx who received IVF treatment were analyzed retrospectively. And two groups were included to compare the effects of different timing treatment of hydrosalpinx on IVF pregnancy outcomes, "Proximal Tubal Occlusion First Group" (Group Ligation-COH) and "Oocyte Retrieval First Group" (Group COH-Ligation). The main outcome measures included: ovarian response indexes, laboratory indexes and clinical pregnancy outcomes. Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analysis was performed for outcome indicators, and the odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used.

RESULTS

A total of 1490 patients were included (n = 976 Ligation-COH and n = 514 COH-Ligation). The Gn starting dose and MII rate in group Ligation-COH were significantly higher than those in group COH-Ligation (203.33 ± 58.20 vs. 203.33 ± 58.20, 81.58% vs. 80.28%, P < 0.05). The number of oocytes obtained and the number of available D3 embryos in group COH-Ligation were higher than those in group Ligation-COH (15.10 ± 7.58 vs. 13.45 ± 6.42, 10.92 ± 5.81 vs. 9.94 ± 5.15, P < 0.05). Although the number of ET cycles per IVF cycle in group COH-Ligation was higher than that in group Ligation-COH (1.88 ± 1.00 vs. 1.48 ± 0.70, P < 0.05), the biochemical pregnancy rate, clinical pregnancy rate, multiple pregnancy rate, live birth rate and cumulative live birth rate in group Ligation-COH were significantly higher than those in group COH-Ligation (60.83% vs. 46.27% for biochemical pregnancy, 55.69% vs. 38.5% for clinical pregnancy, 26.18% vs. 17.74% for multiple pregnancy, 47.08% vs. 25.26% for live birth, 69.47% vs. 47.47% for cumulative live birth, P < 0.05), and the miscarriage rate in group Ligation-COH was lower than that in group COH-Ligation (10.47% vs. 17.20 for early abortion, 4.49% vs. 15.86% for late abortion, P < 0.05). In logistic regression analysis, after adjustment for age and multiple factors, the above results were still statistically significant differences (P < 0.001). For elderly patients, the clinical pregnancy rate, multiple birth rate and live birth rate in group Ligation-COH were also higher than those in group COH-Ligation (P < 0.001). No significant differences were detected for patients with diminished ovarian reserve.

CONCLUSIONS

For the choice of ligation operation time, we recommend that patients choose tubal ligation first and then ovulation induction and oocyte retrieval treatment.

Evaluation of tubal patency by hysterosalpingo-contrast Sonography (HyCoSy): Controversies, dilemmas and considerations

Evaluation of tubal patency is one of the vital steps in the process of female infertility management. Hysterosalpingo-contrast Sonography (HyCoSy) has become the first-line recommendation for evaluating tubal patency. However, there remain some controversies and dilemmas relevant to the evaluation of tubal patency by HyCosy, with no effective solution has been proposed or no consensus has been reached. Herein, combined with previous research and clinical experience, we conclude and analyze these controversies and dilemmas, aiming at offering our perspective on the opportunities and challenges which are faced by HyCosy.

The influence of timing of oocytes retrieval and embryo transfer on the IVF-ET outcomes in patients having bilateral salpingectomy due to bilateral hydrosalpinx

Objective

The objective of the study was to investigate whether the sequence of oocyte retrieval and salpingectomy for hydrosalpinx affects pregnancy outcomes of in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) patients.

Study Design

There were 1,610 bilateral hydrosalpinx patients who underwent laparoscopy salpingectomy and IVF-ET/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) from January 2009 to December 2018. They were divided into two groups: oocyte retrieval first group: 235 accepted oocyte retrieval before salpingectomy; operation first group: 1,375 accepted oocyte retrieval after salpingectomy. The basic information and pregnancy outcomes of the two groups were compared. The pregnancy outcomes and influencing factors were analyzed among patients at different starting times of frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) or oocyte retrieval after the salpingectomy.

Results

Patients in the oocyte retrieval first group had higher levels of basal follicle stimulating hormone and lower anti-Mullerian hormone levels (P < 0.05). There were no cases of pelvic infection or oocyte and embryo contamination after oocyte retrieval in the oocyte retrieval first group. In the frozen cycle, the clinical pregnancy and miscarriage rates of the oocyte retrieval first group were lower than those in the operation first group (P < 0.05), while the live birth rate was not significantly different (P > 0.05). The live birth rates of patients ≥35 years old in the operation first group and the oocyte retrieval first group were not significantly different (29.3% vs. 23.3%, P = 0.240). After adjusting for age and antral follicle count (AFC), oocyte retrieval 4-6 and 7-12 months after the operation had higher accumulated pregnancy rates [OR 1.439 (1.045-1.982), P = 0.026; OR 1.509 (1.055-2.158), P = 0.024] and higher accumulated live birth rates [OR 1.419 (1.018-1.977), P = 0.039; OR 1.544 (1.068-2.230), P = 0.021]. No significant difference was observed in the pregnancy outcomes of frozen embryo transfer at different times after salpingectomy (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

No contamination of the embryo or infection was observed in patients who underwent oocyte retrieval before the operation. The interval between the operation and frozen embryo transfer did not affect the pregnancy outcomes. After adjusting for age and AFC, patients who underwent oocyte retrieval 4-6 and 7-12 months after the operation had higher accumulated pregnancy rates and live birth rates.

The Performance of Transvaginal Two-Dimensional Fundamental Sonosalpingography Combined with Saline Infusion Pelvic Sonosalpingography for Assessing Fimbrial Part's Morphology and Function of the Fallopian Tubes

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of transvaginal two-dimensional fundamental sonosalpingography (2D-FS) combined with saline infusion pelvic sonosalpingography (SIPS) for assessing fimbrial part's morphology and function of the fallopian tubes.

METHODS

One hundred and sixty-nine cases underwent 2D-FS combined with SIPS. Among them, 18 cases received laparoscopy and dye test (LDT) within 3 months after the examination and the results were regarded as reference standard.

RESULTS

Excluding proximal or middle segment obstructed tubes, the remaining fimbrial parts' display rate by using 2D-FS combined with SIPS was 75.1%. According to the ultrasonic appearance, the fimbrial parts were classified into 4 types: normal, abnormal, suspected abnormal, and unclassifiable. Normal fimbrial parts accounted for 73.8% when the tubes were patent; abnormal fimbrial parts accounted for 74.1% when the tubes were partial obstructed; all became abnormal when the tubes were distal complete obstructed. The fimbrial parts which had been classified by 2D-FS combined with SIPS were compared with LDT further. This combination's accuracy (ACC), sensitivity (SEN), specificity (SPE), positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and Youden's index (YI) were 86.4, 87.5, 85.7, 77.8, 92.3, and 0.73%, respectively. The result of consistency analysis showed the combination was essentially consistent with LDT result (Kappa = 0.713).

CONCLUSION

2D-FS combined with SIPS can be a preferred method for assessment of the fimbrial part's morphology and function, with its advantages of non-invasive, intuition, and accuracy. This combination could provide an objective imaging basis for choosing clinical treatment strategies and predicting prognosis.

Comparison of Hysterosalpingography With Laparoscopy in the Diagnosis of Tubal Factor of Female Infertility

Background: Laparoscopy is considered to be the gold standard in the evaluation of causes leading to infertility. Hysterosalpingography (HSG) permits indirect visualization of the cervical canal, uterine cavity, and tube patency, which is helpful for evaluating the causes of infertility.

Objective: This study aimed to detect tubal abnormalities in infertile women by HSG or laparoscopy and determine the value of HSG in diagnosing fallopian tube status.

Methods: The study group consisted of 1,276 patients. HSG was performed as a preliminary test for the evaluation of fallopian tube status. Women were subjected to laparoscopic examination on evidence of HSG abnormalities.

Results: The negative predictive value of HSG for detecting patency or occlusion for the right/left tube was 92.08 and 95.44%, respectively. The kappa values for the consistent diagnosis in the right/left tube were 0.470 and 0.574, respectively. In cases of low patency of the right/left tube, there was a greater than a 40% chance for the tube to be patent, and the remaining high probability was pelvic adhesion. The positive predictive value of HSG for detecting patency or occlusion for both tubes was 87.2%. The kappa value was 0.898 [95% CI (0.838, 0.937), p < 0.001], which meant that the diagnostic accuracy of HSG for both tube patency/occlusion was explicit. The kappa value for the diagnosis of hydrosalpinx (especially for bilateral tube hydrosalpinx) was 0.838 [95% CI (0.754, 0.922), p < 0.001], and the diagnostic accuracy for HSG was 79.8, 67.9, and 72.4%, respectively.

Conclusion: The current study concluded that HSG is a good diagnostic modality to detect tube abnormalities in infertile patients. HSG and laparoscopy are complementary to each other and whenever the patient is undertaken for diagnosis of infertility. Cost-effective HSG had good predictive value in identifying tubal factor infertility.

Bedeutung der Fertilitätschirurgie bei Kinderwunsch

Die Bedeutung der Fertilitätschirurgie bei Kinderwunsch kann vielfach aufgrund fehlender eigener Erfahrung während der Facharztweiterbildung nicht erfasst werden, da nur an wenigen Zentren eine spezifische operative Ausbildung erfolgt. Neben der Abklärung anatomischer Fehlbildungen mittels Hysteroskopie bzw. Laparoskopie gehört die operative Myom- und Endometriosebehandlung zu den Standardverfahren der Fertilitätschirurgie. Hier ist die Erfahrung der Reproduktionsmediziner gefragt, damit unter maximaler Schonung der Ovarreserve ein bestmöglichstes Ergebnis hinsichtlich Endometriosesanierung bzw. Myomenukleation erreicht wird. Die Abklärung der Tubendurchgängigkeit mit Chromopertubation ist nach wie vor Goldstandard, auch wenn im ambulanten Sektor vorwiegend nichtoperative Verfahren zum Einsatz kommen. Die diagnostische und gegebenenfalls operative Hysteroskopie dient der Beurteilung des Endometriums und erlaubt den Ausschluss von Entzündungsprozessen oder dem Vorliegen von Polypen.

Urinary bisphenol A concentration is correlated with poorer oocyte retrieval and embryo implantation outcomes in patients with tubal factor infertility undergoing in vitro fertilisation

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a substance ubiquitously present in the environment, and its toxicity on reproductive function has been well characterised in animal models. However, it is still controversy about the effects of BPA exposure on human female reproduction. Therefore, in the present study, the associations of urinary BPA concentration with the outcomes of in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and embryo transfer from fresh and frozen cycles were analysed in the same cohort. 351 women who underwent IVF treatment from September 2013 to October 2016, at the Centre of Reproductive Medicine in the Women's Hospital School of Medicine at Zhejiang University were recruited. Single-spot urine samples were collected on the day of oocyte retrieval to detect BPA using solid-phase extraction and liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. A multivariable generalised linear mixed model was used to evaluate the association between the urinary BPA concentration and IVF outcomes. After adjustment for age, body mass index, baseline follicle-stimulating hormone level, baseline oestradiol level, and antral follicle count, a significant decrease in the number of retrieved oocytes and in the rates of clinical pregnancy and implantation was observed in the patients with a high urinary BPA concentration. We concluded that BPA exposure exert negative effects on oocyte retrieval and embryo implantation in women undergoing IVF.

State of the art and emerging drug therapies for female infertility

At present, infertility is a key-issue. When applicable, in vitro fertilization (IVF) has become the standard approach to treat this condition but a thorough investigation and, whenever possible, the individual diagnosis of the underlying causes of infertility are required. For many female causes, indeed, efficient medical therapies are available to achieve a fast solution of the problem. This review is based on the relevant literature indexed in PubMed and SCOPUS and is focused on the most recent clinical literature on the treatment of women (and couples) affected from infertility. The reduction in IVF treatment burden and risks are now considered pivotal to set 'patient-friendly' therapies and represent crucial issues for both patients and physicians. To this end, the researchers are now focusing their attention on old drugs with new indications and new compounds with more appropriate functions, to improve the compliance of the women and reduce the burden of infertility, a condition that is becoming an important issue in the modern world, also for the Public Health System.

Treatment of hydrosalpinx in relation to IVF outcome: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Salpingectomy is the most widely used treatment for hydrosalpinx. The effect of salpingectomy on the stimulation response during subsequent IVF treatment, however, remains unclear. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the ovarian response and pregnancy outcome of IVF treatment carried out after salpingectomy compared with other pre-IVF treatment options for hydrosalpinx. We conducted a literature search using PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, Google Scholar, ClinicalTrials.gov and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Five randomized studies and nine observational studies were included in the systematic review and evaluated using Cochrane Collaboration's tool for randomized, Newcastle-Ottawa scale for observational studies and GRADE guidelines for certainty of evidence assessment. The mean number of retrieved oocytes was similar between the groups in randomized (mean difference [MD] = -0.03, 95% CI -0.75 to 0.70) and observational studies (MD = -0.15, 95% CI -2.32 to 2.02). Live birth (RR 1.59, 95% CI 1.17 to 2.16), clinical pregnancy (RR 1.27, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.57) and implantation rates (RR 1.55, 95% CI 1.16 to 2.08) were higher in the salpingectomy group in randomized studies. The present systematic review and meta-analysis showed that salpingectomy does not impair the ovarian response during subsequent IVF treatment.

Predictive value of a modified classification of fallopian tube status on prognosis of tubal factor infertility after laparoscopic surgery

Built on 2 existing classification systems, this study was to develop a new classification system to better predict the pregnancy prognosis after laparoscopic surgery in patients with tubal factor infertility and accordingly propose a management strategy.We followed up 423 patients suffering from tubal factor infertility who had undergone hysteroscopic-laparoscopic surgery for 2 years without in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF/ET). Based on the operative reports, a new, modified classification of fallopian tube status (hereafter referred to as the modified classification) was developed with reference to the 2 existing classification systems (the r-AFS classification of pelvic adhesions and the scoring system of distal tubal obstruction). A score of 0 to 3 was assigned to each of the 4 factors (tubal wall consistency, hydrosalpinx, pelvic adhesions, and tubal patency) for each of the tubes with a total bilateral score of 0 to 24. The patients were classified for the abnormalities of the fallopian tubes into 3 groups: mild (<8), moderate (8-15) and severe (>15). By utilizing SPSS 20.0 Statistic Analysis Software, the data were analyzed with t test, Chi-Square test, ANOVA or ROC as appropriate.Each of the 4 factors of the modified classification was independently and closely associated with post-surgical prognosis (P < .05). There was a statistically significant difference in postoperative pregnancy prognosis among the 3 groups of patients (P < .05). Patients with a score of <8 (mild) had the highest intrauterine pregnancy rate, reaching 60.1%. In contrast, patients with a score of 8 to 15 (moderate) had a significant increase in ectopic pregnancy (21.5%), while patients with a score of >15 (severe) had a significantly increased infertility rate of 89.5%. When the pregnancy outcomes were divided into intrauterine pregnancy and other outcomes, the modified classification had the largest area under the ROC curve (0.569) (P < .05). With the optimum cutoff of 4.5, the sensitivity was 88.6%, specificity was 74.5% and accuracy was 63.1%.The modified classification of fallopian tube status is a simple and practical scoring system which can comprehensively and effectively evaluate the function of the fallopian tube and thus is more accurate than the other 2 systems in predicting the postoperative pregnancy outcomes.