Hysterosalpingography

Hysterosalpingography, which should be done in the follicular phase of the cycle, evaluates the contour of the uterine cavity, cervical canal, and tubal lumina. Other than being diagnostic, it can prove to be therapeutic. The instrument used to introduce the radio-opaque medium should be chosen to give the least discomfort and to cause no leakage of dye from the cervix. Water-soluble medium is usually used rather than an oil-based medium. Fluoroscopy with image intensification gives the best results. Insufficient dye injection will give an incomplete study. Too much dye injection, especially under pressure, might cause extravasation of the dye into the vascular system or conceal the fimbrial ends of the tubes.