Interfimbrial adhesions. Detection and treatment of an easily overlooked cause of infertility.

During laparoscopy for investigation of infertility 68 women with no findings had their fallopian tubes catheterized. In 20 of these women small interfimbrial adhesions were found and divided. The subsequent pregnancy rate in this group was 14 (70%), which was significantly higher than that in the control group, 26 of 59 women (44%) who did not have their tubes catheterized during laparoscopy. These results indicate that interfimbrial adhesions, which are easily overlooked during routine laparoscopy but easily found when catheterization of the tubal ostia is performed, can be a contributing factor in infertility.