[The role of transvaginal sonosalpingography in the evaluation of tubal patency].

The aim of this work was to evaluate transvaginal sonography (TVS) in the study of tubal patency as part of the investigation of female infertility. Fifteen women underwent tubal patency by ultrasonography while air and saline solution were instilled into the uterus to provide positive contrast. In three cases of TVS detection of tubal obstruction the findings were compared with hysterosalpingography, which confirmed the presence of the occlusion. In one case the exam was suspended for the excessive pelvic pain of the patient. In one patient TVS tubal control was impossible for the presence of large multiple uterine myomas. Transvaginal sonography with the use of a simultaneous intrauterine saline infusion offers certain advantages over hysterosalpingography, such as the elimination of iodinated contrast and ionizing radiation. TVS provides complete examination of the entire pelvis, thus delineating uterine and ovarian abnormalities, and it is more convenient and less expensive. It should be performed by an experience sonographist with standard sonographic equipment. In conclusion, tubal patency can be performed as an outpatient procedure in the routine infertility clinic.