The fallopian tubes carry eggs from the ovaries to the uterus. There are 3 different parts of fallopian tubes which may cause different pathologies. In gynecology, different tubal pathologies can be listed. Many of these are encountered in infertile cases. In order to get pregnant, the tubes of a patient has to be patent (open). The tubes are the place where the sperm and the egg meets and fertilization occurs. The most common cause of tubal pathologies causing infertility are pelvic infections in a women. After infection the passage of the tube is blocked and the pateint can not get pregnant. In these cases, the function of the tube is over.

Tube, Tubal Pathologies

The movements of the cells inside the tube help to move the fertilized egg to the uterus. When the fertilized egg comes to the uterus it attaches the walls of the uterus and pregnancy starts. If the tube is damaged, it is not only blocked but it might be unfunctional. In time, fluid collection starts in the damaged tube and this is called hydrosalpinx.

Hydrosalpinx causes the fallopian tube to become blocked with fluid, so the egg cannot pass down the tube. Also, the fimbria (last part of the tuba) that help to draw the egg from the ovary into the tubes can become stuck together. If only one fallopian tube is blocked, it is still possible to conceive without intervention, as eggs from the other ovary will still be able to make it to the uterus. However there is also a chance that the fluid buildup could leak into the uterus and interfere with the embryo implanting itself properly. Also the risks of complications, such as early pregnancy loss, may increase. There are different causes for this condition and symptoms can vary depending on the individual. Some women do not experience any symptoms, but hydrosalpinx can have a severe impact on fertility. Other women may have symptoms including abdominal pain, pelvic pain and unusual vaginal discharge. The most common causes of hydrosalpinx are sexually transmitted infections, endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), ruptured appendicitis and abdominal surgery. We can diagnose hydrosalpinx using several methods. These include:

Ultrasound: This is one way of looking for hydrosalpinx, but is not as effective. Few cases are visible at ultrasound.

Hysterosalpingography (HSG) is an X-ray procedure that is used to view the inside of the uterus and fallopian tubes. A special dye visible to the X-ray is introduced through the vagina and cervix It often is used to see if the fallopian tubes are partly or fully blocked. It also can show if the inside of the uterus is a normal size and shape. Mild pain or discomfort is common with an HSG, both during the procedure and afterwards. You may feel cramping when your provider inserts the dye solution into your uterus. You may experience more cramping when your tubes are blocked. The cramping may last anywhere from five minutes after your procedure to a few hours. HSG  is an outpatient procedure that usually takes less than 5 minutes to perform. The exam should take place between 7-10 days after the beginning of your last menstrual period. A course of antibiotics may be prescribed prior to the test. Unless your procedure will be performed under anesthesia, you can eat and drink as per usual the day of the test. We recommend you take pain killers several hours prior to the test to decrease possible discomfort. HSG test price ranges from 300-400 dollars. HSG test cost may vary among different hospitals and centers. You don’t need to get bothered with the question ‘How can I get the HSG test near me.’ There are many different options which we can help you decide.

Laparoscopy: Laparoscopy can be used for both diagnosis and treatment.

Pelvic Infections

In instances where PID is the cause, PID treatment may be given as a course of antibiotics to treat any remaining infections or PID symptoms. As a result, untreated pelvic infections can cause tubal obstruction/occlusion and hydrosalpinx. These pathologies are treated by laparoscopy in selected cases.Surgery for tubal disease does not help everyone. For surgery, the women has to be young (<35 years of age) and the tubal damage has to be mild. Treatment can include removal of pelvic adhesions (scar tissue) and cysts. After surgery, if the patient will not get pregnant in two years, she has to be treated with IVF to concieve.

If IVF treatment is started before surgery to remove the affected tube with hydrosalpinx, chances of success are lower. It is, therefore, recommended to complete surgery before undergoing IVF treatment to ensure the best chances of success. The most common surgery for hydrosalpinx is to remove the affected tube. This type of surgery is known as salpingectomy.

In some cases, like proximal tubal occlusion, hysteroscopy is also used to control tubal patency. Tubal catheterization with hysteroscopy can help to treat the occlusion in some cases.

All the other tubal pathologies without childwish can be diagnosed and treated by laparoscopy. The fibroids in fallopian tubes are very rare pathologies. These can be treated by laparoscopy. The bleeding from fallopian tube is a complication of ectopic pregnancy, that is a called tubal rupture. In an ectopic pregnancy, the developing embryo does not implant on the endometrial wall, but instead attaches to some other surface. For ninety eight percent of pregnancies outside the uterus, that surface is within the fallopian tube. This is also called a tubal pregnancy. Embryos that do not implant in the uterine wall are generally unable to develop normally. In addition, an ectopic pregnancy can cause rupture of the organ on which they are implanted, typically the fallopian tube. Rupture can result in severe internal bleeding, shock, and, rarely, death of the woman. Fortunately, the ability to diagnose, monitor, and treat ectopic pregnancy reduces the risk of these life-threatening complications.

Tubal pathologies and fallopian tubes treatment prices in Turkey range from 1800 to 2000 dollars on average.

For further information about gynecology problems you can read my articles : Gynecology