Performing the Parryscope technique gently for office tubal patency assessment.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate a novel approach to office tubal patency assessment through infusing air into saline during flexible office hysteroscopy. We also provide data addressing pain and patient experience relative to hysterosalpingography (HSG). DESIGN: Video presentation of clinical technique with supportive crossover data (Canadian Task Force classification II-1). Its University of Mississippi Medical Center Institutional Review Board protocol number is 2013-0230. SETTING: Academic hospital. PATIENT(S): Women undergoing office hysteroscopy and ultrasound, with a subset also having HSG. INTERVENTION(S): Air infusion into saline during office hysteroscopy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): The focus is on demonstrating how the technique appears and is performed, with supplemental Likert data addressing subjective pain and preference relative to HSG. RESULT(S): When performed as described, this office technique has 98.3%-100% sensitivity to tubal occlusion and 83.7% specificity. The gentle technique is central to accurate outcomes, which is facilitated through use of a small-caliber (<3 mm), flexible hysteroscope and avoiding uterine overdistention. Patients are far more likely to report maximum discomfort with HSG. Among patients who also had HSG, 92% somewhat or strongly prefer hysteroscopic assessment. Also, 96% of patients reporting maximum discomfort with HSG had mild to no discomfort with the described technique. CONCLUSION(S): Air-infused saline at flexible office hysteroscopy can accurately, gently, and rapidly assess tubal patency. Coupled with strong patient preference for this technique over HSG, it is a promising option for evaluating fertility. CLINICAL TRAIL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02005263.

Hysterosalpingo-Contrast Sonography With a Saline-Air Device Is Equivalent to Hysterosalpingography Only in the Presence of Tubal Patency.

OBJECTIVES: To compare hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography with a saline-air device to hysterosalpingography for evaluating tubal patency. METHODS: Eighty women undergoing infertility evaluations were recruited for this prospective cohort study. All patients underwent both office-based hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography with a saline-air device and hysterosalpingography as the reference standard, and the fallopian tubes were individually assessed for tubal patency in each procedure. The Cohen κ coefficient was used to assess agreement between each procedure, and the Student t test and χ(2) test were used to compare differences in time, pain, and procedural preference. RESULTS: In total, 75 patients with 148 fallopian tubes were evaluated. Tubal patency on hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography with the saline-air device was noted in 85.8% (n = 127) of tubes compared to 92.5% (n = 137) on hysterosalpingography, with a positive predictive value of 95.2%. Tubal occlusion was noted in 21 tubes (14.2%) on hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography compared to 11 (7.4%) on hysterosalpingography, with a negative predictive value of 23.8% (24 of 28). Overall, hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography agreed with hysterosalpingography in 126 of 148 fallopian tubes (85.1%; κ = 0.47; P < .001). The procedural time and pain scores were significantly greater for hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography compared to hysterosalpingography. CONCLUSIONS: There was a significant degree of agreement between hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography with a saline-air device and hysterosalpingography when the fallopian tube was patent but not when it was occluded. In the absence of patency, further evaluations with hysterosalpingography may be indicated to avoid false-positive results. Although the procedure time and degree of pain appear to be greater, avoidance of radiation exposure by using hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography with a saline-air device may outweigh the drawbacks.

Innovative percutaneous antegrade clearance of intrahepatic and extrahepatic biliary stones with the use of a hysterosalpingography catheter.

OBJECTIVES: We present a novel modified technique of percutaneous antegrade clearance of intrahepatic and common bile duct stones with the use of a hysterosalpingography balloon (HSG) catheter. METHODS: Technical tips and techniques used, along with the clinical results obtained in six patients whom we treated over a 6-month period have been described. RESULTS: The HSG balloon catheter is shown to demonstrate superior pushability, flexibility, and maneuverability in comparison with other previously described compliant balloons. CONCLUSIONS: The HSG balloon catheter is shown to be a really good device to remove intrahepatic and common bile duct stones percutaneously, allowing, where required, access to both the right and the left intrahepatic biliary systems from a single and smaller Fr hepatic bile duct access.

Clinical value of fluid bolus contrast flow meter during hysterosalpingography.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical value of the fluid bolus contrast flow meter during hysterosalpingography. Hysterosalpingography information of 342 cases, which included a manual handset group of 213 cases and a bolus instrument group of 129 cases were reviewed. Comparative analysis was used to compare the two groups in order to assess the clinical adverse reactions, contrast agent reflux, and image quality. In the instrument bolus group compared with the manual handset group, the clinical adverse reactions decreased from 75.12 to 31.78% (P < 0.001); the backflow phenomenon of the contrast agent decreased from 13.62 to 3.10% (P < 0.01); and image quality significantly improved, with the A class film rate increasing from 54.46 to 68.99% (P < 0.01) and the C class film rate decreasing from 8.92 to 2.33% (P < 0.05). The use of a contrast bolus through the liquid inlet of the hysterosalpingography instrument can provide fully dynamic observation, reducing the contrast agent reflux and adverse reactions as well as improving the image quality and diagnostic accuracy. In addition, the medical staff is not subjected to radiographic radiation. Therefore, it is a safe and reliable imaging method.

Evaluation of pain during hysterosalpingography with the use of balloon catheter vs metal cannula.

Our aim was to investigate the use of a balloon catheter device in comparison with metal cannula for hysterosalpingography (HSG) in terms of patient comfort. A total of 168 patients were randomised for HSG either with a balloon catheter (n = 83) or metal cannula (n = 85). Scores of pelvic pain during insertion of the devices, injection of the contrast medium and 1 h after the procedure were evaluated using the Wong Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale; complications and reinsertion rates were also noted. The pain scores were significantly lower in the balloon catheter group (p < 0.001). The reinsertion rate of metal cannula was higher (8.2% vs 2.4%) as well as the incidence of nausea being the most common short-term adverse effect (14.1% vs 1.2%) in the metal cannula group (p = 0.002). Performing HSG with a balloon catheter is advantageous for decreasing the pain and side-effects related to the procedure, when compared with the use of a metal cannula.

[Interest of multidetector CT virtual hysterosalpingography in the diagnosis of utero-peritoneal fistulas about 4 cases]. / Intérêt de l'hystéroscanner dans le diagnostic de la fistule utéro-péritonéale à propos de 4 cas.

We report four cases of uterine fistula found with the multidetector CT virtual hysterosalpingography. Patients were received for suspicious of a utero-peritoneal fistula at hysterosalpingography. They were young people at childbearing age (average age of 33 years), multigravidae, two of whom were nulliparous, one primiparous and one multiparous. We noted a history of voluntary interruption of pregnancy by curettage and a cesarean section. For the opacification, we used the classic hysterography standard equipment by means of 1/5 diluted iodine with saline solution as contrast. The multidetector CT virtual hysterosalpingography revealed small uterine perforations including three which were located in uterine posterior face at cervico-isthmic area and corporeal area, bringing about a utero-peritoneal fistula. The multidetector CT virtual hysterosalpingography is a simple and powerful technique for the diagnosis of utero-peritoneal fistula. It is convenient and then deserves an important place in the evaluation of uterine fistula.

Safety aspects and side-effects of ExEm-gel and foam for uterine cavity distension and tubal patency testing.

A state-of-the-art overview of the safety and side-effects of ExEm-gel for uterine cavity distension and ExEm-foam for tubal patency testing is presented. A literature search was carried out using PubMed, textbooks, pharmaceutical databases and reports of toxicity tests. Information on clinical use in humans and experiments in animal models was collected and grouped according to the following components: glycerol, hydroxyethyl cellulose and purified water; subjects included toxicity test, influence on sperm cells, oocytes, blastocyst development, uterine cavity distension, tubal patency testing, pain and obstetric applications. No unknown side-effects of gel or foam, or unexpected concerns about safety, were reported. More information than expected was available on the absence of effects of the components on various human tissues. Although it is difficult to prove that the search is complete, and it is possible that side-effects remain unreported, the combination of glycerol, hydroxyethyl cellulose and purified water is considered to be safe for intrauterine application and tubal patency testing, indicating an optimal risk-benefit ratio in clinical use. The safest strategy, however, is to restrict clinical examinations with gel and foam to the pre-ovulatory phase of the menstrual cycle.

Portal vein embolization using an adapted hysterosalpingography catheter.

BACKGROUND: Portal vein embolization is an accepted procedure that provides hypertrophy of the future remnant liver in order to reduce post-hepatectomy complications. AIM: To present a series submitted to portal vein embolization using an adapted hysterosalpingography catheter via transileocolic route. METHODS: Were performed right portal branch embolization in 19 patients using hysterosalpingography catheter. For embolizing the vessel, was used Gelfoam(r) powder with absolute alcohol solution. Indications for hepatectomy were colorectal liver metastases in all cases. RESULTS: An adequate growth of the future remnant liver was achieved in 15 patients (78.9%) and second time hepatectomy could be done in 14 (73.7%). In one patient (5.2%), tumor progression prevented surgery. One patient presented acute renal failure after portal embolization. CONCLUSIONS: The hysterosalpingography catheter is easy to handle and can be introduced into the portal vein with a wire guide. There were no major post-embolization complication. Its use is safe, cheap and effective.

Portal vein embolization using an adapted hysterosalpingography catheter / Embolização portal utilizando cateter adaptado de histerossalpingografia

BACKGROUND: Portal vein embolization is an accepted procedure that provides hypertrophy of the future remnant liver in order to reduce post-hepatectomy complications. AIM: To present a series submitted to portal vein embolization using an adapted hysterosalpingography catheter via transileocolic route. METHODS: Were performed right portal branch embolization in 19 patients using hysterosalpingography catheter. For embolizing the vessel, was used Gelfoam(r) powder with absolute alcohol solution. Indications for hepatectomy were colorectal liver metastases in all cases. RESULTS: An adequate growth of the future remnant liver was achieved in 15 patients (78.9%) and second time hepatectomy could be done in 14 (73.7%). In one patient (5.2%), tumor progression prevented surgery. One patient presented acute renal failure after portal embolization. CONCLUSIONS: The hysterosalpingography catheter is easy to handle and can be introduced into the portal vein with a wire guide. There were no major post-embolization complication. Its use is safe, cheap and effective. .

RACIONAL: Embolização da veia porta é procedimento consagrado para estimular a hipertrofia do fígado remanescente, a fim de reduzir as complicações pós-hepatectomia. OBJETIVO: Apresentar série de casos submetidos à embolização da veia porta usando cateter adaptado de histerossalpingografia, por via transileocólica. MÉTODOS: Foi realizada embolização do ramo portal direito em 19 pacientes utilizando cateter de histerossalpingografia. Foi usado Gelfoam(r) em pó com solução de álcool absoluto, como material embolizante. As indicações para hepatectomia foram metástases hepáticas colorretais em todos os casos. RESULTADOS: Hipertrofia adequada do fígado remanescente foi alcançada em 15 pacientes (78,9%) e a hepatectomia foi realizada em 14 (73,7 %). Em um (5,2 %), a progressão do tumor impediu a realização da operação. Um paciente apresentou insuficiência renal aguda após embolização portal. CONCLUSÕES: O cateter de histerossalpingografia é fácil de ser manuseado e pode ser introduzido na veia porta com um fio guia. Não houve complicação grave pós-embolização. Seu uso é seguro, barato e eficaz. .

Fallopian tube recanalisation using dedicated radiographic tubal assessment set in angiography suite.

INTRODUCTION: Fallopian tube recanalisation (FTR) for proximal fallopian tube obstruction (PFTO) is considered a good treatment option for tubal infertility. The aim of this study was to assess the safety and the technical and clinical success rates of FTR using a dedicated radiographic tubal assessment set (FluoroSet(®) ) in the angiography suite. METHODS: This study is a retrospective analysis of data prospectively collected between February 2007 and June 2011 at King Abdullah University Hospital, Irbid, Jordan. During this period, 61 patients affected by PFTO underwent FTR using FluoroSet(®) at our institution. The mean age of patients was 34 years (range 20-45 years), and the mean duration of infertility was 4 years (range 2-14 years). The procedure was performed with conscious sedation under fluoroscopic guidance in the angiography suite. The obstructed tube was accessed with a 5-Fr multipurpose catheter, and the obstruction was crossed with a 0.35-Fr hydrophilic guide wire until the wire coiled freely into the peritoneal cavity. Patency of the tube was then confirmed by selective salpingiogram. Technical success rate was recorded, and patients were followed up for evidence of pregnancy over 12 months. RESULTS: The procedure was technically successful in all patients. Minor bleeding and postprocedural pain occurred in most patients; however, there were no major complications encountered. Twenty-five patients (41%) became pregnant. Successful deliveries of full-term infants were reported in 21 patients (84%). Miscarriage was reported in four patients (16%). No ectopic pregnancies were detected, and all deliveries were full-term. The technical success rate was 100% and the clinical success rate was 41%. CONCLUSION: Selective salpingography and FTR using FluoroSet(®) is a safe and effective method. FTR is recommended as the first intervention in patients with PFTO. In experienced hands with dedicated equipment and in an appropriate setting, the success rate is high, and this treatment should be offered to infertile women with PFTO before other, more complex techniques are attempted.

Esterilización histeroscópica con Essure: experiencia en el Hospital Universitario Vall d’Hebron / Hysteroscopic sterilization with Essure: experience at the Vall d’Hebron University Hospital

La esterilización femenina se elige con frecuencia como método permanente de planificación familiar. Clásicamente, los métodos definitivos de planificación familiar se asocian a una intervención quirúrgica, con incisiones abdominales y con un periodo de recuperación de algunos días. En los últimos años, la esterilización histeroscópica ha ganado adeptos ya que es un procedimiento que puede ser realizado en consulta, libre de incisiones, rápido, seguro, permanente y, en un gran porcentaje de ocasiones, sin requerimientos anestésicos. Presentamos los resultados obtenidos por el Servicio de Ginecología del Hospital Universitario Vall d’Hebron, Barcelona (España) tras 8 años de implantación del sistema Essure® como método de elección para las pacientes que desean un método definitivo de anticoncepción. Los dispositivos implantados en las trompas desencadenan un proceso de fibrosis que producirá la oclusión tubárica. Esto es confirmado mediante la realización de una histerosalpingografía de control realizada 3 meses después del procedimiento. Nuestros resultados son similares a los reportados en la literatura, con una tasa de éxito (oclusión tubárica a los 3 meses) del 98,8% (AU)

Female sterilization is frequently chosen as a permanent method of family planning. Traditionally, such methods have been associated with surgery, with abdominal incisions and a recovery period of several days. In the last few years, hysteroscopic sterilization has become more widely accepted, because this procedure can be performed in the office and is incisionfree, safe, rapid and permanent. In a large percentage of patients, no anesthesia is required. We report the results obtained by the Gynecology Service of the Vall d’Hebron University Hospital in Barcelona, Spain, after 8 years of using the EssureW system as the method of choice in patients requiring permanent contraception. The devices implanted in the fallopian tubes trigger a process of fibrosis leading to tubal occlusion. The occurrence of this process was confirmed by follow-up hysterosalpingography performed 3 months after the procedure. Our results are similar to those reported in the literature, with a success rate (tubal occlusion at 3 months) of 98.8% (AU)

Ictus paradójico asociado a histersalpingografía / Paradoxical embolism associated with hysterosalpingography

La histerosalpingografía (HSG) es un procedimiento utilizado en el estudio de la infertilidad. La embolia del medio de contraste es una complicación infrecuente y está favorecida por ciertos factores. La persistencia del foramen oval permeable (FOP) complica el pronóstico, ya que puede producir embolias paradójicas. Presentamos el caso de una mujer de 32 años, derivada de un hospital comarcal por accidente cerebrovascular isquémico tras realizarse una HSG informada como dificultosa, precisando una dosis mayor de contraste (ácido diazitroico) que la habitual. Se realizó una tomografía computarizada craneal que mostró infarto cerebral hemisférico derecho. La ecocardiografía posterior al acontecimiento reveló la existencia de un FOP. Tras 8 días de evolución, la paciente presentó mejoría progresiva del déficit, con capacidad para deambular autónomamente, por lo que se procedió al alta hospitalaria con tratamiento antiagregante domiciliario. La clínica acontecida en esta paciente y los hallazgos encontrados en las pruebas diagnósticas son altamente sugestivos de ictus isquémico de la arteria cerebral media secundario a embolismo paradójico del medio de contraste a través del FOP, por lo que resulta interesante realizar una revisión del tema (AU)

Hysterosalpingography is a procedure used in the study of infertility. Embolism of contrast dye is a rare complication and is facilitated by certain factors. Persistence of permeable foramen ovale (PFO) complicates the prognosis and may produce paradoxical embolisms. We present the case of a 32-year-old woman who was referred from a district hospital due to an ischemic stroke following a hysterosalpingography reported as difficult, requiring a higher dose of contrast medium (diatrizoic acid) than usual. A cranial computed tomography scan was performed, which showed a right hemispheric stroke. Post-event echocardiography revealed a PFO. Eight days after the event, the patient showed progressive improvement and was able to walk without assistance. Consequently, she was discharged from hospital with antiplatelet therapy. The symptomology in this patient, as well as the findings of the diagnostic tests, are highly suggestive of ischemic stroke of the middle cerebral artery secondary to paradoxical embolism of the contrast medium through the PFO. A review of the topic is provided (AU)

Hysterosalpingography using a flat panel unit: evaluation and optimization of ovarian radiation dose.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was the evaluation and optimization of radiation dose to the ovaries (D) in hysterosalpingography (HSG). METHODS: The study included a phantom study and a clinical one. In the phantom study, we evaluated imaging results for different geometrical setups and irradiation conditions. In the clinical study, 34 women were assigned into three different fluoroscopy modes and D was estimated with direct cervical TLD measurements. RESULTS: In the phantom study, we used a source-to-image-distance (SID) of 110 cm and a field diagonal of 48 cm, and thus decreased air KERMA rate (KR) by 19% and 70%, respectively, for beam filtration: 4 mm Al and 0.9 mm Cu (Low dose). The least radiation exposure was accomplished by using the 3.75 pps fluoroscopy mode in conjunction with beam filtration: Low dose. In the clinical study, D normalized to 50 s of fluoroscopy time with a 3.75 pps fluoroscopy mode reached a value of 0.45 ± 0.04 mGy. Observers' evaluation of diagnostic image quality did not significantly differ for the three different modes of acquisition that were compared. CONCLUSIONS: Digital spot radiographs could be omitted in modern flat panel systems during HSG. Fluoroscopy image acquisitions in a modern flat panel unit at 3.75 pps and a beam filtration of 4 mm Al and 0.9 mm Cu demonstrate acceptable image quality with an average D equal to 0.45 mGy. This value is lower compared to the studied literature. For these reasons, the proposed method may be recommended for routine HSG examination in order to limit radiation exposure to the ovaries.

Transvaginal hydrolaparoscopy for diagnosis of tubal infertility.

OBJECTIVE: Infertility problem affects more than 70 million couples worldwide, 5-15% of which are couples in their reproductive age. Less and less invasive endoscopic methods like transvaginal hydrolaparoscopy have been developed by technological progress. This method enables not only precise identification, but is now increasingly used for treatment of tubal and peritoneal factor pathology, which cause approximately 35 per cent of female infertility. AIM: Evaluation of transvaginal hydrolaparoscopy (HLTV) usefulness for diagnosis of tubal infertility comparing to standard laparoscopy and hysterosalpingography (HSG). RESULTS: In evaluation of patent fallopian tubes results of HLTV and HSG examinations are coincide in 87%, while obstruction diagnosed in HSG is confirmed only in 37% during HLTV examination. Transvaginal hydrolaparoscopy and HSG have similar sensitivity and specificity in diagnosis of hydrosalpinx, which is up to 100% . In comparison with HLTV histerosalpingography is less effective in evaluation of peritubal dilatations and adhesions. Both laparoscopic surgery and transvaginal laparoscopy have the same high sensitivity in diagnostics of the fallopian tubes patency and hydrosalpinx, which is up to 100%. In evaluation of peritubal adhesions and dilatations the results are very similar. CONCLUSIONS: 1. HLTV is a highly useful method in evaluation of the fallopian tubes pathologies which is significantly more sensitive than HSG in evaluation of such lesions as peritubal adhesions and obstructed fallopian tubes. 2. HLTV is as effective as laparoscopy in evaluation of patency and lesions of the fallopian tubes. 3. HLTV is a less invasive method, much better tolerated than laparoscopy and more suitable for the group of overweight patients. 4. Final assessment of HTLV technique will be possible following performance of a greater number of studies, where the foregoing conclusions present only initial observations.

Histerosalpingografía con ecografía transvaginal simultánea como examen complementario / Hysterosalpingography with transvaginal ultrasonography as complementary exam

El objetivo de este trabajo es presentar un nuevo protocolo de examen combinando la histerosalpingografía con una ecografía transvaginal simultánea, aprovechando el material de contraste radiológico iodado dentro de la cavidad uterina. Mediante esta combinación de técnicas se logra una variante de la sonohisterografía sumándole a este método los beneficios ya conocidos de la histerosalpingografía. La histerosalpingografía es una de las principales técnicas radiológicas diagnósticas para la evaluación de las pacientes infértiles, debido a la información que brinda sobre la morfología uterina, permeabilidad tubaria, canal endocervical, como también de la cavidad uterina. La ecografía transvaginal es sensible para la detección de engrosamiento del endometrio y puede determinar la heterogeneidad del mismo, evidenciando posibles masas. La histerosonografía (ecografía transvaginal con instilación de solución de solución fisiológica) permite una visualización detallada del endometrio y su diferenciación entre procesos focales (pólipos, carcinomas) y difusos (hiperplasia, fase secretora del ciclo), como así también de los procesos subendometriales (leiomiomas submucosos).(AU)

Fallopian tube recanalization: lessons learnt and future challenges.

Technological advances in fiberoptics and endoscopy have resulted in the development of minimally invasive transcervical tubal catheterization procedures with the potential of improved diagnostic accuracy of tubal disease and transcervical treatment of proximal tubal obstruction (PTO) with reduced risks, costs and morbidity compared with surgical procedures. Fallopian tube recanalization can be performed with catheters, flexible atraumatic guidewires or balloon systems under endoscopic (falloposcopy/hysteroscopy/laparoscopy), sonographic, fluoroscopic or tactile guidance. Falloposcopy provides a unique possibility to accurately visualize and grade endotubal disease, characterize and document endotubal lesions, identify the segmental location of tubal pathology without complications, objectively classify the cause of PTO and guide future patient management. This is in contrast to the surgical and radiological gold standards, laparoscopy and hysterosalpingography, respectively, that are often associated with poor or misdiagnosis of PTO. Nonhysteroscopic transuterine falloposcopy using the linear eversion catheter is a successful, well-tolerated, outpatient technique with a good predictive value for future fertility. Hysteroscopic-falloposcopic-laparoscopic tubal aquadissection, guidewire cannulation, guidewire dilatation and direct balloon tubuloplasty may be used therapeutically to breakdown intraluminal adhesions or dilate a stenosis in normal or minimally diseased tubes with high patency and pregnancy rates. However, guidewire cannulation of proximally obstructed tubes yields much lower pregnancy rates compared with other catheter techniques, despite the high tubal patency rates. Laparo-hysteroscopic selective tubal catheterization with insufflation of oil-soluble radiopaque dye has been reported to be an effective treatment for infertility associated with endometriosis. The various disadvantages associated with fluoroscopic and sonographic techniques limit their application, despite the reportedly high patency and intrauterine pregnancy rates. Recanalization is contraindicated in florid infections and genital tuberculosis, obliterative fibrosis and long tubal obliterations that are difficult to bypass with the catheter, severe tubal damage, male subfertilitY and previously performed tubal surgery. Distal tubal obstruction is not amenable to catheter recanalization techniques. Tuberculosis, salpingitis isthmica nodosa, isthmic occlusion with club-changed terminal, ampullar or fimbrial occlusion, and tubal fibrosis have been cited as reasons for recanalization failure. In lieu of the poor pregnancy outcomes in patients with severe tubal disease and poor mucosal health following tubal recanalization, as well as poor available technical skills and results with microsurgery, in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer is a valid option in such women. Despite the high diagnostic and therapeutic power of falloposcopic interventions, technical shortcomings with falloposcopy must be overcome before the procedure gains widespread acceptance.

Fast-release orodispersible tramadol as analgesia in hysterosalpingography with a metal cannula or a balloon catheter.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the potential benefit, in terms of pain relief, of the new oral fast-release orodispersible galvanic form of tramadol in women undergoing hysterosalpingography (HSG) with either a metal cannula or a balloon catheter. METHODS: In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 2 x 2 factorial-design trial, conducted at a single academic centre, 128 women were assigned into groups: (I) tramadol and a metal cannula, (II) tramadol and a balloon catheter, (III) placebo and a metal cannula or (IV) placebo and a balloon catheter. The primary end-point was pain registered by the patients on 10-cm visual analogue scales (VASs) at various times during and after the procedure. Secondary end-points included side effects and pain as assessed by the same physician during HSG. RESULTS: The main effect of tramadol versus placebo medication (i.e. I and II versus III and IV) was a statistically significant difference (P < 0.001) in self-reported VAS of -0.91 (-1.35 to -0.47) on the absolute and -33% (-48% to -17%) on the relative scale in favour of tramadol. Likewise, there was a significant benefit for tramadol against placebo medication for physician-perceived VAS pain scores (39% relative reduction; P < 0.001). The main effect of the balloon catheter versus metal cannula (i.e. II and IV versus I and III) was a non-significant (P = 0.82) difference in patient-reported VAS of -0.05 (-0.49 to +0.39) and -2% (-21% to +17%). There were no medication-HSG device interactions and no differences in side effects. CONCLUSIONS: During and after HSG, fast-release orodispersible tramadol significantly reduces pain without increasing side effects.

Hysterosalpingography with use of mobile C-arm fluoroscopy.

OBJECTIVE: To review radiation exposure during hysterosalpingography (HSG) examinations with use of a mobile C-arm fluoroscopic imaging system with advanced features including pulsed fluoroscopy and last-image-hold capability. DESIGN: Retrospective clinical study. SETTING: Freestanding outpatient radiology office. PATIENT(S): Two hundred consecutive patients who were referred for HSG examinations to evaluate fertility or status of tubal ligation. INTERVENTION(S): Pulsed fluoroscopy (eight frames per second) and continuous fluoroscopy were used with automated exposure control and last image hold for static image capture. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Fluoroscopy time (seconds), field of view (12 in., 9 in., 6 in.), mode (continuous, pulsed), and dose area product (mGycm(2)) were recorded for each patient. The total estimated surface dose then was calculated. RESULT(S): One hundred forty-seven patients had normal results on hysterosalpingograms, and 57 patients had abnormal results on hysterosalpingograms. Selective salpingography was performed in 26 of the 38 patients with fallopian tube occlusions. Mean fluoroscopy time for normal, abnormal, and selective catheterization was 4.17, 14.3, and 56.1 seconds, respectively. Mean estimated surface dose for normal, abnormal, and selective catheterization was 2.6, 6.9, and 46.7 mGy, respectively. CONCLUSION(S): A mobile C-arm fluoroscopic imaging system with pulsed fluoroscopy and last-image-hold capability may be a desirable alternative for HSG to achieve lower radiation exposure with improved operator convenience and patient comfort.