Indication(s):
Infertility; Known risk factors for tubal blockage e.g. endometriosis, history of pelvic infection, history of pelvic or abdominal surgeries.
The Procedure:
No anaesthesia is required. If you are worried about pain, you may take 2 tablets of paracetamol an hour before the procedure; A transvaginal ultrasound scan of the pelvis is performed to examine the pelvic organs including the uterus and the ovaries; A speculum is passed into the vagina, followed by cleansing of the vagina and the cervix with antiseptic solution; A small catheter is inserted through the cervix into the womb; Sterile normal saline is instilled into the cavity of the womb to check for intra-cavitary lesions such as endometrial polyp or submucosal fibroid; The contrast Foam is instilled in order to visualize the fallopian tubes; Ultrasound examination is performed during instillation of normal saline and the contrast Foam.
Benefits of Procedure:
Diagnostic value: Identification of tubal blockage, exclusion of uterine anomalies; No therapeutic value.
Risks and complications (may include, but are not limited to the following):
It may cause abdominal cramps, vaginal spotting and vaginal discharge after the procedure. Most of these discomforts are short-lasting; Pelvic infection and uterine perforation are serious but rare complications (<1%).
After the procedure:
The vaginal spotting may last for a few days.
Alternatives:
Hysterosalpingogram (HSG); Laparoscopy with chromotubation.
Follow up:
Further surgery may be required if there is tubal blockage.
