Surgical treatment of hydrosalpinx: how does this impact fertility?

This study investigated the effects of surgical removal of a hydrosalpinx on female fertility.

They found removal of a hydrosalpinx resulted in higher pregnancy rates compared to the alternative surgical approach, salpingectomy.

Female infertility can have a number of causes and one of these is tubal disease. Tubal disease occurs when adhesions or blockages form on or along the fallopian tubes.

A hydrosalpinx is when the fallopian tube becomes blocked with a clear liquid. To remove it, the hydrosalpinx can be drained surgically. This procedure is called hydrosalpinx aspiration. It can also be drained using ultrasound. This approach is known as sclerotherapy.  

A salpingectomy is another surgical approach that can be used to remove a hydrosalpinx. This involves removing a fallopian tube. As a result of salpingectomy, only one fallopian tube remains.

This study investigated if hydrosalpinx aspiration results in improved pregnancy rates compared to salpingectomy.

This study included results from 10 published reports. The authors analyzed data on how likely a hydrosalpinx was to recur and the outcome of fertility treatment following the procedures.

Hydrosalpinx recurrence rates did not differ significantly between surgical (aspiration) and non-surgical (sclerotherapy) approaches. The rate of pregnancy and miscarriage was similar in patients that had a hydrosalpinx scleropathy and those that had a salpingectomy. Hyrdosalpinx aspiration was associated with lower pregnancy rates than salpingectomy.

This study concluded that hydrosalpinx sclerotherapy resulted in higher pregnancy rates, and can be an alternative to salpingectomy.

This study included a relatively small number of studies. It is difficult to accurately compare studies with different designs. 

If you have any concerns regarding fertility treatment please consult with your doctor.