How to Treat If Fallopian Tube is Blocked?

The developed egg travels down the two thin tubes of the fallopian system, one on each side of the uterus, on its way from the ovaries to the uterus. When the egg is unable to make its way down the fallopian tube because of an obstacle like scar tissue, an adhesion, or an infection, we talk about tubal factor infertility. 

Up to 30 percent of infertile persons who have ovaries have this, and it can happen on either side. Fertility can be affected by obstruction of the fallopian tubes.

If the fallopian tubes are obstructed, the egg cannot go to the uterus, and the sperm cannot reach the egg, thereby preventing fertilisation and pregnancy. The tube could not be completely plugged, either. In some cases, this might lead to an ectopic or tubal pregnancy.

The signs that indicate blocked fallopian tube:

Symptoms of a blocked fallopian tube are uncommon, in contrast to those of anovulation, which might be indicated by monthly irregularities. Most commonly, infertility appears as the first “symptom” of closed fallopian tubes. 

After a year of trying to conceive (or six months if you’re 35 or older), your doctor may order a specialist X-ray to check your fallopian tubes and perform other basic reproductive testing if you’re still having trouble conceiving.

Some women have lower abdomen pain and odd vaginal discharge when they have hydrosalpinx, a type of obstructed fallopian tube. Hydrosalpinx occurs when fluid builds up inside a tube due to a blockage, causing the tube to enlarge. Because the fluid is in the way of the egg and the sperm, fertilisation, and pregnancy are both blocked. 

The causes of blocked fallopian tube can include:

PID is the leading cause of fallopian tube blockage. It is generally accepted that sexually transmitted diseases are the cause of pelvic inflammatory disease, while not all pelvic infections are caused by STDs. Additionally, a history of PID or pelvic infection raises the chance of blocked tubes even if PID is no longer present.

The treatment of blocked fallopian tube:

Fallopian tube recanalization:

Fallopian tube recanalisation is the reopening of the fallopian tubes with the help of microcatheters (very fine, flexible plastic tubes that are visible under X-ray) and micro guidewires (thin, flexible wires over which a microcatheter can be introduced into the body) into the vagina and cervix.

In this procedure, a microcatheter is threaded onto a microguidewire and inserted into the fallopian tube. In doing so, any obstructions in the fallopian tubes are removed, and the uterus can once again communicate with the body’s abdominal cavity. Infertility caused by a blockage in the fallopian tubes can be treated with this operation. The tubal recanalization success rate is about 96%

How does fallopian tube recanalization work?

In the beginning of the process, you might expect something that feels very familiar: a gynaecological exam. The cervix will be numbed with a local anaesthetic spray before the interventional radiologist inserts a speculum into your vagina. 

The catheter will then be inserted into the uterus via the cervix. It’s possible that you’re experiencing some pain right now. Through the catheter, the interventional radiologist will inject a few millilitres of a solution that is visible under X-ray in order to better visualize the uterus and fallopian tubes. 

Hydrosalpinx treatment and surgery:

Hydrosalpinx is treated by either a salpingectomy or a salpingostomy, and occurs when fluid builds up in the fallopian tubes due to a blockage. Salpingectomy refers to the surgical procedure when a portion of the fallopian tube that is obstructed is removed. Compared to other surgical options, this one significantly increases the likelihood of becoming pregnant with IVF.

A salpingostomy is a surgical procedure in which a new aperture is made in the fallopian tube close to the ovary. After this new pathway is created, eggs from the ovaries can reach the fallopian tubes. 

Scar tissue can build up over the healed hole, re-obstructing the passageway. Known as a “salpingostomy” alternative, fimbrioplasty entails making a fresh incision and reconstructing the fimbriae (tissue near the ovaries). Depending on the location of the obstruction, either option may be recommended by doctors. Reach out to the best gynaecology hospital in Coimbatore to undergo the procedure in the right hands.

Tubal cannulation:

When the fallopian tubes become blocked, especially when they are close to the uterus, the nonsurgical procedure known as tubal cannulation is used. Here, the doctor threads a catheter down the vagina and into the uterus to remove the obstruction. 

The use of imaging techniques like X-rays and ultrasound aids the surgeon in pinpointing the precise location of the obstruction. The doctor will then either use a thin wire or a little balloon to clear the obstruction.

Tubal ligation reversal:

Tubal ligation reversal is a surgical technique in which the doctor undoes a previous tubal ligation by opening the fallopian tubes again. In many circumstances, a doctor will do a tubal reversal by removing the blocked section of the fallopian tubes and then performing a tubal reanastomosis to rejoin the two ends of each tube.

It is possible to have a kid even if your fallopian tubes are blocked. Laparoscopic surgery is an option for many couples to remove the obstruction and restore fertility. In vitro fertilization (IVF) can aid conception if fallopian tube blockage surgery isn’t an option.