Tubal Cannulation
Tubal Cannulation
Tubal cannulation is a minimally invasive surgery that aims to treat a blocked fallopian tube. It specifically works to restore the blockage at the proximal portion of the tube, that is, the part closest to the uterus. This blockage is called proximal tubal occlusion and is a cause of subfertility.
Unlike fallopian tube surgery, an invasive surgery requiring cuts, tubal cannulation uses a catheter inserted into the body through the vagina and the cervix, requiring no incisions or hospitalisation.
When is a Tubal Cannulation Needed?
How Does a Tubal Cannulation Work?
A hysteroscopy or laparoscopy guides the catheter into the uterine cavity to find the fallopian tube opening. The doctor uses a hysterosalpingogram to flush dye through the catheter and identify the area of blockage.
Following this, tubal cannulation is conducted where an inflatable balloon is attached to the tip of the catheter, which passes the proximal portion of the Fallopian tube and is used to open the blockage.
The patient is not under anaesthesia; instead, is given a mild sedative to relax. They can also return home after surgery on the same day. Complete recovery can take anywhere from one week to two weeks.
Tubal Cannulation is Not Suitable For?
Doctors do not recommend tubal cannulation for patients who have:
- Extensively scarred fallopian tubes
- Undergone previous fallopian tube surgery
- Intense damage to fallopian tubes
- Distal blockage – a blockage in the area of the tube farthest from the uterus.
- Genital TB or other infection
- Severe blockage
- Blockage isthmus – the narrowest part of the tube
- Inflamed fallopian tubes
Chances of Success in Tubal Cannulation
Tubal cannulation is highly successful for patients who have proximal tubal blockage, where the success rate is above 80%. Since tubal cannulation is a non-invasive and widely available procedure, it is often the first line of treatment suggested to patients. They can even avoid expensive treatment options like in vitro fertilisation (IVF) or embryo transfer. Patients can even avoid the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation and multiple pregnancies due to the release of multiple eggs simultaneously with tubal cannulation.
It is also important to note that tubal cannulation may not be successful for all patients and is not recommended in case of distal tubal occlusion.
Risks Associated with Tubal Cannulation
Surgical complications can occur if a well-trained doctor does not conduct the procedure. The risks and complications associated with tubal cannulation include:
- Perforation (tearing) of the fallopian tube wall
- Peritonitis – a serious infection of the organ tissue leading to an inflamed abdominal cavity.
- Abdominal haemorrhage
- Persisting infertility
Tubal Cannulation at Vizag IVF Centre
To ensure the success of fallopian tube cannulation, it is crucial to get the procedure done by an experienced surgeon who is knowledgeable about the precise surgical technique. We use the best-in-class surgical instruments at Vizag IVF Centre to ensure successful tubal cannulation. With all-around holistic patient care after surgery, we ensure you can recover from the procedure at the earliest and offer prolonged after-surgery assistance to ensure a smooth, complete recovery in a few weeks.
