Fallopian Tube Procedures for Infertility

A Reference fallopian tube Opens New Window blockage typically prevents successful passage of the egg to the sperm, or the fertilized egg to the Reference uterus Opens New Window. Surgery can be used to try to correct this common cause of Reference infertility Opens New Window. The specific type of surgery depends on the location and extent of the fallopian tube blockage.

See a picture of the Reference fallopian tubes Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window.

Some tubal procedures can be done using microsurgical techniques, either during open abdominal surgery or using Reference laparoscopy Opens New Window through a small incision. The surgeon must have special training and expertise in microsurgery techniques and/or laparoscopy. This general overview describes the most common tubal procedures.

Tubal reanastomosis typically is used to reverse a Reference tubal ligation Opens New Window or to repair a portion of the fallopian tube damaged by disease. The blocked or diseased portion of the tube is removed, and the two healthy ends of the tube are then joined. This procedure usually is done through an abdominal incision (Reference laparotomy Opens New Window), but some specialists can do this procedure using Reference laparoscopy Opens New Window.

Salpingectomy, or removal of part of a fallopian tube, is done to improve Reference in vitro fertilization (IVF) Opens New Window success when a tube has developed a buildup of fluid (Reference hydrosalpinx Opens New Window). Hydrosalpinx makes it half as likely that an IVF procedure will succeed.^{Reference 1} Salpingectomy is preferred over salpingostomy for treating a hydrosalpinx before IVF.

Salpingostomy is done when the end of the fallopian tube is blocked by a buildup of fluid (hydrosalpinx). This procedure creates a new opening in the part of the tube closest to the ovary. But it is common for scar tissue to regrow after a salpingostomy, reblocking the tube.

Fimbrioplasty may be done when the part of the tube closest to the ovary is partially blocked or has scar tissue, preventing normal egg pickup. This procedure rebuilds the fringed ends of the fallopian tube.

For a tubal blockage next to the uterus, a nonsurgical procedure called selective tubal cannulation is the first treatment of choice. Using Reference fluoroscopy Opens New Window or Reference hysteroscopy Opens New Window to guide the instruments, a doctor inserts a catheter, or cannula, through the Reference cervix Opens New Window and the uterus and into the fallopian tube.

© 1995-2011, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.