Laparoscopic confirmation of hydrosalpinx is imperative prior to hysteroscopic occlusion for IVF to avoid permanent iatrogenic sterility

ObjectiveTo study operative findings for infertile patients with preoperative diagnosis of hydrosalpinges and determine if the ease of hysteroscopic female sterilization may lead to iatrogenic sterility.MethodsRetrospective data, from January 1998 through January 2008, were collected in a fertility center to determine the diagnostic and therapeutic results of laparoscopic surgery for infertile patients with preoperative diagnosis of hydrosalpinges.ResultsThere were 103 women who would have received hysteroscopic sterilisation based on preoperative imaging, but did not require this and had their fallopian tubes saved through correct laparoscopic assessment (7 patients with patent tubes) or laparoscopic surgical treatment (16 patients, only, requested bilateral salpingectomy).ConclusionsOccluding fallopian tubes on the basis of the hysterosalpingography findings only would result in unnecessary sterilizations.