subject: Treatments For Fallopian Tube Obstruction - Female Infertility Information [print this page] Functioning fallopian tubes are normally an integral part of conception. In order to overcome infertility due to blocked fallopian tubes, a number of options may be considered. Reproductive surgery has become a less recommended option since the increased use of in vitro fertilization (IVF).
In cases where the obstruction of the fallopian tubes results in a fluid buildup, surgery is still recommended. In these cases, the fluid tends to wash through the uterus, preventing the embryo from implanting.
Assisted Reproductive Techniques include:
- In vitro fertilization (IVF) bypasses the fallopian tubes. It is the process by which a womans eggs are surgically removed from the ovaries and mixed with sperm. Fertilized eggs are then placed in the uterus for implantation.
- Assisted hatching is a laboratory procedure in which the embryo is aided in hatching out of its outer shell so that it can implant. This is done when IVF has failed.
- Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) is the injection of a sperm into the egg to fertilize it.
- Gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT) makes use of the laparoscope to place unfertilized eggs and sperm into the womans fallopian tubes.
- Zygote intrafallopian transfer (ZIFT) is the fertilization of a womans eggs in the lab and then use of the laparoscope to place the fertilized eggs into the fallopian tubes.
Natural treatments for mild blockages are those that attempt to increase blood flow to the pelvis and decrease inflammation. These may include:
- Diet
- Supplements
- Herbal remedies
- Chiropractic services
- Acupuncture
- Massage or physical therapy
Tuboplasty refers to a surgical procedure that attempts to improve patency: the openness of the tubes. Tuboplasty may make use of microsurgery, laser surgery, electric current, surgical scissors or the traditional scalpel.
Endoscopy is considered minor surgery and often is performed on an outpatient basis. It includes:
- Laparoscopy, in which small incisions are made in the abdominal wall through which telescopic lens and surgical instruments are inserted and,
- Hysteroscopy, in which a telescopic lens and instruments are inserted into the uterine cavity.
- Falloscopy thru cervix and uterus to tubes surgery
Laparotomy is major surgery that involves the opening of the abdominal or pelvic cavity.
Surgeries of the fallopian tubes include:
- Tubal cannulation opens or widens the narrow junction of uterus and the fallopian tube with wire, balloons, stents and catheter implantations.
- Salpingostomy is surgery on the fallopian tubes involving incisions to correct hydrosalpinx : the fluid backup that can happen due to obstruction.
- Salpingolysis is the cutting away of scar tissue on or in the fallopian tube
- Salpingectomy is the removal of part of the fallopian tube
- Myomectomy is the removal of fibroid tumors
- Neosalpongostomy is the creation of a new opening. This new opening is folded back and sewn open.
- Fimbrioplasty is the reconstruction of an end of a fallopian tube
- Reanastomosis is the reversal of tubal ligation (tied tubes), a reconnection
New research involving a compound called Angelicae complex is being done in China. It seems to reduce swelling and thickening of fallopian tube tissue.
