Ovulation and Transport of Egg, Opens dialog

Female reproductive system, Opens dialog

Surgery Overview

A fallopian tube, Opens dialog blockage often prevents successful passage of the egg, Opens dialog to the sperm, or the fertilized egg to the uterus, Opens dialog. Surgery can be used to try to correct this common cause of infertility. What type of surgery you have depends on where and how much the fallopian tube is blocked.

Some tubal procedures can be done using microsurgical techniques. These may be done during open surgery on the belly or using laparoscopy, Opens dialog through a small incision. The surgeon must have special training and expertise in these techniques. Here are the most common tubal procedures.

Tubal reanastomosis is often used to reverse a tubal ligation, Opens dialog or to repair a part of the fallopian tube damaged by disease. The blocked or diseased part of the tube is removed. Then the two healthy ends of the tube are joined. This procedure can be done through an incision in the belly (laparotomy, Opens dialog), but some specialists can do this procedure using laparoscopy.

Salpingectomy is the removal of part of a fallopian tube. It's done to improve in vitro fertilization (IVF), Opens dialog success when a tube has a buildup of fluid (hydrosalpinx, Opens dialog). Hydrosalpinx makes it less likely that an IVF procedure will succeed. Salpingectomy is preferred over salpingostomy for treating a hydrosalpinx before IVF.

Salpingostomy is also done when the end of the fallopian tube is blocked by a buildup of fluid. This procedure creates a new opening in the part of the tube closest to the ovary. But it's common for scar tissue to regrow after a salpingostomy. This can reblock the tube.

Fimbrioplasty may be done when the part of the tube closest to the ovary is partially blocked or has scar tissue. These problems can prevent 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 fluoroscopy, Opens dialog or hysteroscopy, Opens dialog to guide the tools, a doctor inserts a catheter, or cannula, through the cervix and the uterus, Opens dialog and into the fallopian tube.