Ultrastructural study on the epithelium of ligated fallopian tubes in women of reproductive age.

The epithelium of normal and ligated Fallopian tubes in nine women of reproductive age was studied by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results were as follows: at a distance of 0.5 cm from the ligated scar, numerous cilia of the epithelium were twisted and adhered, the shape of the epithelial cells was irregular, and even many microvilli and cilia lost from the local epithelium. However, the microvilli and cilia of the epithelium were normal on the mucosa at 1.0 cm from the ligated scar. This may account for the continued infertility following re-anastomosis of the ligated Fallopian tubes, due to the ultrastructural changes of oviducts and inability to convey the ova. Thus, at the Fallopian tube re-anastomosis, it is recommended that the removal of the mucosa should be at least 0.5 cm away from the ligated scar so as to increase the success rate of the fertilization. On the epithelium of the hydrosalpinx, Fallopian tube stomata located among the secretory cells were found for the first time. These stomata are small openings of lymphatic capillaries with a diameter of 3.25 microns to 4.25 microns. They are likely to be connected between the lumen of the Fallopian tube and subserous lymphatic vessels, and also involved in the drainage of the hydrosalpinx. Most or all cilia were lost from the ciliated cell surface on the epithelium of the hydrosalpinx, whereas the microvilli were flourishing. Therefore, many ciliated cells turned into secretory cells. In addition, a new pathogenesis of the hydrosapinx is discussed.