Objective: To assess histologic damage and functional impairment following coaxial tubal catheterization.
Design: Prospective randomized controlled study.
Setting: Research laboratory.
Patient(s): Ninety-two female New Zealand rabbits.
Intervention(s): Tubal cannulation and mating.
Main Outcome Measure(s): Rabbits randomized for placement of unilateral catheter and guide wire (group 1),
unilateral catheter and guide wire plus falloposcope (group 2), and catheterization as in group 1 or 2 but using
a cage catheter (groups 3 and 4, respectively). A fifth group consisted of rabbits with tubal perforations. Rabbits
were killed at 2 or 4 weeks after catheterization or after mating. The sixth group consisted of only control rabbits.
Result(s): Only one catheterized tube in groups 1 and 3 showed inflammation, fibrosis, or edema. None of the tubes
manifested ciliary loss. Serosal tubal adhesions were identified in two tubes in group 1, in one in group 3, in three tubes
in group 5, and one in the control group. The nidation index in control and nonperforated catheterized tubes ranged
from 72%–95% (not significant). Nidation index in tubes unintentionally perforated was 81%.
Conclusion(s): Catheterization of the uterotubal junction and fallopian tube in rabbits does not cause long-term tubal
damage or impair tubal function. (Fertil Steril 2005;84:212–6. ©2005 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.) |
