239 © Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2019
L. A. Stadtmauer, I. Tur-Kaspa (eds.), Ultrasound Imaging in Reproductive Medicine,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-16699-1_14
Evaluation of Tubal Patency
(HyCoSy, Doppler)
Kamal Ojha, Tuhina Goel,
and Dimuthu Vinayagam
Baseline Scan and Hydrosalpinges
Assessment of fallopian tubes begins with the
baseline scan for fertility assessment. Interstitial
part of the tube being the fxed part and within the
uterus can easily be identifed with three-
dimensional (3D) ultrasound examination of the
uterus (Fig. 14.1). Tracing this further the outline
can sometimes be clearly seen, but this is not
always possible. Ideally, the instillation of dye as
described below is the best way to identify the fal-
lopian tubes. However, if the distal part of the tube
is blocked, then often fuid accumulates in the fal-
lopian tube over a period of time, and this is
described as hydrosalpinges. This is generally
located between the uterus and the ovaries.
Typically, it is elongated in shape with partial sep-
tae best identifed with a transverse ultrasound
examination. Unilateral or bilateral hydrosalpin-
ges is associated with low success in women
undergoing IVF examination. The walls of the
hydrosalpinges are thin with clear fuid and partial
septum. Identifying the ovary separately is essen-
tial to exclude ovarian cyst. The hydrosalpinges
can at times completely surround the ovary. A
paraovarian cyst is generally observed on either
side of the ovary well clear from the uterus and
appears more like an ovarian cyst with no septae.
K. Ojha (*)
St. George’s University Hospital, NHS Foundation
Trust, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology,
London, UK
e-mail: Kamal.Ojha@stgeorges.nhs.uk
T. Goel
All India Institute of Medical Sciences,
New Delhi, India
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology,
Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India
D. Vinayagam
St. George’s University Hospital, University of
London, Cardiovascular Sciences Research Centre,
London, UK
14