The use and results of laparoscopic chromoperturbation in women previously examinated by hysterosalpingography.

Abstract

Laparoscopic chromoperturbation in superior to hysterosalpingography in the evaluation of infertile women. Referring women to both investigations is therefore cost ineffective and unacceptable for the patient. To estimate the magnitude of this problem, the records of all women referred to hysterosalpingography in our department during 1989-92 were reviewed. We registered the result of the hysterosalpingography, whether or not she later had laparoscopic chromoperturbation and the results of this procedure if done. One hundred and eighteen women were included. Fifty eighty had a laparoscopic chromoperturbation (49%). The fertility prognosis obtained at hysterosalpingography was different from the fertility prognosis found by laparoscopic chromoperturbation in 34 percent of the women. Women with an abnormal hysterosalpingography had significantly more often a complicated gynecologic history. It is suggested that testing for tubal patency as a primary infertility investigation should be reserved for women with an adverse gynecologic history. Laparoscopic chromoperturbation is the method of choice.