Value of laparoscopy in infertile women with normal hysterosalpingograms

Objective: To evaluate the value of laparoscopy in infertile women with normal hysterosalpingograms. Methods: Retrospectively analyzed the laparoscopic findings of 79 infertility patients with normal hysterosalpingograms. Results: Of the 79 patients, 28 (35.4%) showed normal laparoscopic findings, while in 51 (64.6%) patients, it was abnormal. Abnormal findings consisted of stage I-II endometriosis in 23 patients (45.1%), stage III-IV endometriosis in 5 (9.8%), peritubal adhesions in 7 (13.7%), and pelvic adhesions in 12 (23.5%). Among patients in whom patent fallopian tubes were demonstrated by hysterosalpingography, there were 2 (4.0%) patients each with tubal obstruction and hydrosalpinx. Conclusion: Even in patients who showed normal findings on a hysterosalpingogram, it is thought that laparoscopy in selected cases may provide enhanced efficacy in terms of cost and time effectiveness.