Proximal tubal occlusion and salpingectomy result in similar improvement in in vitro fertilization outcome in patients with hydrosalpinx.

Objective: To evaluate and compare the clinical impact of proximal tubal occlusion and salpingectomy when performed before IVF in patients with hydrosalpinges.

Design: Prospective randomized study.

Setting: Assisted reproduction unit in an obstetrics and gynecology department in a university hospital in Greece as well as assisted reproduction unit in an urban clinic in a major city in Greece.

Patient(s): One hundred fifteen patients with unilateral or bilateral hydrosalpinges who were candidates for IVF treatment.

Intervention(s): Laparoscopic proximal tubal occlusion, laparoscopic salpingectomy, controlled ovarian hyperstimulation, IVF, and embryo transfer.

Main Outcome Measure(s): Implantation rate, clinical-pregnancy rate, ongoing-pregnancy rate, abortion rate, and ectopic-pregnancy rate.

Result(s): Patients who underwent proximal tubal occlusion before IVF demonstrated significantly increased implantation, clinical-pregnancy, and ongoing-pregnancy rates compared with those with no surgical intervention and demonstrated implantation, clinical-pregnancy, and ongoing-pregnancy rates comparable to those who underwent salpingectomy.

Conclusion(s): Proximal tubal occlusion, when performed in women with unilateral or bilateral hydrosalpinges before their IVF treatment, represents a potentially beneficial surgical procedure, increasing significantly the chances for successful implantation and for clinical and ongoing pregnancy. Proximal tubal occlusion may be viewed as a valid alternative when salpingectomy is technically difficult or not feasible.