What is the process of passing dye through tubes after a tubal reversal?

Hysterosalpingography is an X-ray procedure used to diagnose certain problems of the uterus and fallopian tubes. HSG most often is used to see if a woman’s tubes are patent (open) or partly or fully blocked. Blocked or abnormal tubes are a common cause of infertility. With an HSG, the doctor can also check for a septum, scar tissue, or growths such as polyps or fibroids inside the uterus and tubes. This may help your doctor find the cause of infertility or part of the evaluation of repeated pregnancy loss (also called recurrent miscarriage). Alternative procedure(s) to evaluate your uterus and tubes would include laparoscopy/hysteroscopy surgery with general anesthesia.

The HSG procedure is usually performed during 5th through the 11th day of your cycle (cycle day 1 is the first day of your menstrual period). During the procedure a special contrast fluid is placed into the uterus and tubes. This fluid shows up on an X-ray screen and highlights the uterine cavity and fallopian tubes.

For the procedure:

1. You will be asked to lie on your back with your feet placed apart as for a pelvic exam. A device called a speculum is inserted into the vagina to hold the walls of the vagina apart and allow a view of the cervix. The cervix is then cleaned.

2. A device is inserted to hold the cervix steady. A thin tube is then passed through the cervical opening to the lower part of the uterus.

3. An X-ray machine is placed over the abdomen. This allows the doctor to see the fluid inside your organs on a screen.

4. The fluid slowly is placed through the thin tube into the uterus and fallopian tubes. The fluid causes the uterus to stretch. This may cause uterine cramping. Also, if the tubes are blocked, the fluid could cause the tubes to stretch. This may also cause some pain and cramping.

5. X-ray images are made as the fluid fills the uterus and tubes. You may be asked to change positions a number of times for X-rays. If there is no blockage, the fluid will spill slowly out the far ends of the tubes.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

You are probably thinking of a hysterosalpingogram (HSG). This is an
x-ray procedure in which dye is flushed into the tubes to determine if
they are open. Sometimes dried up mucus inside the tubes can be flushed
away in this manner. However, if your tubes have scarred at the surgical
sites where they were repaired, it will not open them.

Published on Jul 11, 2012