Changing the Algorithm in the Evaluation of Pelvic Anatomy in the Infertile Patient: Is Hysterosalpingo Contrast Sonography With Saline-Air Device the Appropriate Test for Everyone?

Abstract

The evaluation of the fallopian tubes is an essential part of the infertility workup, with abnormalities related to the fallopian tubes accounting for up to 40% of female subfertility. Laparoscopy is still considered the gold standard in the diagnostic evaluation of fallopian tubes, though the hysterosalpingogram (HSG) has long been recognized as complementary to laparoscopy, since tubal anatomy can be distinctly be seen.2 That said, previous investigations using laparoscopy as the gold standard demonstrate HSG has a sensitivity and specificity of 53% and 87%, respectively, for any tubal pathology and 46% and 95%, respectively, for bilateral tubal pathology.