Laparoscopy-assisted intrapelvic sonography with a high-frequency, real-time miniature transducer for assessment of the Fallopian tube: a preliminary report

Daisaku Senoh
In: Human Reproduction · 1999 · vol. 14(3) , pp. 704–706 · doi:10.1093/humrep/14.3.704 · PMID:10221699 · W2152948083
article OA: bronze CC0
📄 Open PDF View on OpenAlex View on PubMed View at publisher

Abstract

Our purpose was to visualize normal and abnormal Fallopian tubes using laparoscopy-assisted intrapelvic sonography with a specially developed 20 MHz flexible catheter-based high-resolution, real-time miniature (2.4 mm outer diameter) ultrasound transducer in infertile women. A total of 21 women (20 infertile, one with unilateral hydrosalpinx, and one tubal pregnancy) were studied with pelvic saline effusion under laparoscopy. Fimbriae were clearly depicted with a cockscomb-like form in 95% of patients. All ampullae were visualized, and mucosal layers were clearly distinguished from muscle layers in 70% of patients. Scanty intratubal effusion was noted in 50% of patients, and tubal spastic findings were found in 10% of patients. In all, 60% of isthmuses were detected, and mucosal layers were distinguished from muscle layers in 30%. In the subject with hydrosalpinx, the tubal wall was thinner, and it was not possible to distinguish between muscle and mucosal layers. In the subject with a tubal pregnancy, the amniotic membrane and decidua were depicted more clearly than by transvaginal sonography. In conclusion, laparoscopy-assisted intrapelvic sonography with a high-frequency, real-time miniature transducer may be useful in the assessment of tubal texture and function in tubal disorders, possibly in infertility practice.

My notes (saved in your browser only)

Condition tags

infertility

Citation neighborhood (sparse)

Too few in-corpus citations on either side for a chart; here are the lists.

Cites (1)

References (13)

Source provenance

openalex
last seen: 2026-06-04T00:00:01.174412+00:00
License: CC0 · commercial use OK