The significance of hydrosalpinx in in vitro fertilization.
OBJECTIVE: To review the effects of hydrosalpinx on IVF/ET and the role of salpingectomy. DESIGN: The literature on hydrosalpinx, IVF/ET, embryotoxicity, and salpingectomy for hydrosalpinx was identified through MEDLINE searches and reviewed. RESULT(S): Hydrosalpinx has been associated with poor fertility prognosis. IVF/ET is a better alternative to tubal surgery for those patients with severe distal tubal disease, and it is also more cost effective. However, the presence of hydrosalpinx has a negative effect on IVF/ET by decreasing the pregnancy rates and implantation rates compared with patients undergoing IVF/ET for tubal disease but without hydrosalpinx. The hydrosalpingeal fluid has been demonstrated to be embryotoxic to developing embryos, thus leading to increased early pregnancy losses. Poor endometrial receptivity has also been demonstrated in the presence of hydrosalpinges. Removal of the hydrosalpinges leads to improved IVF/ET rates comparable to those patients without hydrosalpinx. Therefore, salpingectomy has been recommended for patients with hydrosalpinx who will be undergoing IVF/ET. CONCLUSION(S): The presence of hydrosalpinx has a negative effect on IVF/ET because of the suspected embryotoxicity of the hydrosalpingeal fluid. Surgical removal of the hydrosalpinx has been shown to improve IVF/ET rates.
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Related Subject Headings
- Prognosis
- Pregnancy
- Obstetrics & Reproductive Medicine
- Infertility, Female
- Humans
- Fetal Death
- Fertilization in Vitro
- Female
- Fallopian Tube Diseases
- Exudates and Transudates
Citation
Published In
DOI
ISSN
Publication Date
Volume
Issue
Start / End Page
Location
Related Subject Headings
- Prognosis
- Pregnancy
- Obstetrics & Reproductive Medicine
- Infertility, Female
- Humans
- Fetal Death
- Fertilization in Vitro
- Female
- Fallopian Tube Diseases
- Exudates and Transudates