Patient's question:
What are the items to check for hydrosalpinx?Doctor's answer:
The diagnosis of hydrosalpinx in clinical practice commonly involves ultrasound diagnosis, laparoscopic diagnosis, and tubal contrast imaging.1. Ultrasound Diagnosis: Some cases of hydrosalpinx can be identified on ultrasound, but it only indicates the presence of a fluid-filled area and cannot definitively confirm the condition. It is often observed during the acute phase. Ultrasound may show irregular fluid-filled areas on one or both sides of the uterus, appearing sausage-like, with abnormal echoes visible within the tubes.
2. Laparoscopic Diagnosis: This can directly confirm hydrosalpinx. Under laparoscopy, the condition of adhesions around the fimbriae can be observed, and the function of the fallopian tubes can be assessed. However, laparoscopy is an invasive procedure and expensive, making it generally not the first choice for diagnosis. It is more commonly used after contrast imaging has confirmed the condition for treatment purposes.
3. Tubal Contrast Imaging: This is currently the simplest and most reliable method for confirming hydrosalpinx. X-ray imaging shows the entire fallopian tubes filled with contrast and dilated fimbriae. A delayed image taken 20 minutes later reveals residual contrast in both fallopian tubes, with no contrast dispersion in the pelvic cavity.