Hysterosalpingography - X-ray Contrast Examination Of The Uterus And Fallopian Tubes, Especially In The Case Of Childlessness

2023 Author: Wallace Forman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-24 12:25

Hysterosalpingography

Hysterosalpingography is an X-ray contrast examination of the uterus and fallopian tubes. The most common indication is a diagnosis based on childlessness. Causes for this can be changes in the uterus (e.g. polyps, myomas, malformations, tumors) or the fallopian tubes (e.g. fallopian tube obstruction after inflammation). During the same examination, the fallopian tubes can also be "blown through" (pertuberation) to check their patency. The examination can be carried out on an outpatient basis.

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• How does a hysterosalpingography work?
• What are the side effects / complications?
• Where is hysterosalpingography performed?
• How are the costs going to be covered?

How does a hysterosalpingography work?

The examination is carried out on a fluoroscopic table. No special preparation is required. At the beginning of the examination, the cervix is grasped with special forceps, disinfected and the contrast agent is injected into the uterus through the cervix. From there, the contrast medium flows into the two fallopian tubes and, if they are patency, it drips over the free ends of the fallopian tubes into the abdominal cavity. The inflow and distribution of the contrast agent are documented by several x-rays.

When the fallopian tubes are "blown through" (pertuberation), carbonic acid gas is introduced through the cervix into the uterus and the fallopian tubes. A blockage of the fallopian tubes can be determined on the basis of the pressure conditions.

What are the side effects / complications?

Hysterosalpingography is a low-risk examination method. The following side effects and complications are possible:

• Grasping and pulling down the cervix with the forceps to inject the contrast agent can be perceived as painful.
• During the injection of the contrast medium, especially in the case of sticky fallopian tubes, the build-up of contrast medium can cause pain.
• Inflammation of the uterus, fallopian tubes or peritoneum (peritonitis) following this examination is extremely rare and can be treated with antibiotics.
• The inserted instruments can cause slight vaginal bleeding, which in most cases does not require treatment. Injuries to the uterus are rare.

For general side effects and complications from the administration of contrast media, see X-ray contrast media.

Where is hysterosalpingography performed?

The x-ray examination of the uterus and fallopian tubes is carried out in an x-ray fluoroscopy unit (mostly in the hospital) by a specialist in gynecology in collaboration with a radiology technologist under the guidance of a radiologist. After the images have been created, the radiologist reports. A medical referral is required.

You can find hospitals (with a radiological department) in your area under Clinic search.

How are the costs going to be covered?

If there is a medical indication, the costs are covered by social insurance. A medical referral is required.