Ultrasound versus tactile cannulation in the treatment of proximal tubal obstruction.

Objective: To compare the therapeutic effects of cannulation guided by ultrasound or tactile sensation in women with proximal tubal obstruction.

Method: This prospective randomized study reports on outcomes for 50 women treated as outpatients, 25 by the ultrasound-guided method and 25 by the tactile sensation method.

Results: Of the 50 fallopian tubes in each group, 42 tubes (84%) were successfully cannulated by the ultrasound-guided method and 32 (64%) by the tactile sensation method; and of the 50 patients, 8 (16%) conceived in the 6 months following cannulation. The difference in pregnancy rates between the 2 groups was not statistically significant.

Conclusion: Whether guided by ultrasound or tactile sensation, cannulation can be offered as a first-line outpatient procedure to women with proximal tubal obstruction.