Hydrosalpinks

It is formed from the Greek words “hydro” meaning water and “salpinks” meaning pipe. It is when the end of the ovarian duct is blocked and filled with a clear liquid. The ovarian duct that is blocked in this way gradually begins to expand and looks like a sausage. Usually both ovarian ducts are affected and can be quite large in diameter.

Blocked ovarian ducts also cause infertility. If there is blood in the blocked ovarian duct, it is called hematosalpinx, and if there is inflammation, it is called pyosalpinx.

Why does it happen?

The fine vibrating hairs inside the oviduct sweep the fluid inside towards the uterus. This keeps the inside of the oviduct constantly clean. If a blockage occurs at this end, the fluid stops flowing and begins to back up. This damages the structure of the duct. It also prevents fertilization by preventing the passage of the egg and sperm.

The most important cause of blockage of the ovarian duct is infections in this area. It is usually seen as a result of sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhea and chlamydia. However, it is not expected to develop after every infection. Sometimes hydrosalpinx can also develop if tuberculosis (tuberculosis) causes an infection in the ovarian canal.

Other causes of blockage in the ovarian duct are as follows;

– Adhesions that develop after surgery

– Endometriosis

– Cancer of the oviduct, ovary or other surrounding organs

– Hematosalpinx is usually associated with ectopic pregnancy. Pyosalpinx is seen in the early stages of infection and can cause abscess formation in this area.

What are the symptoms?

There can be many different symptoms. Some patients may complain of recurrent abdominal or groin pain. Others may have no symptoms at all. Blockage in the ovarian duct most commonly causes infertility. It is a condition that should be considered in women who have difficulty conceiving and have no complaints.

How is it diagnosed?

Hydrosalpinx is usually easily detected by ultrasonography. The appearance of an elongated and dilated ovarian duct is very typical. However, sometimes a small ovarian duct can be missed. In this case, a test called hysterosalpingography (HSG) is performed.

A radiocontrast substance is injected into the oviduct to obtain an X-ray image. The sausage-shaped ovarian duct and the fact that the substance does not pass into the abdominal cavity are diagnostic. However, if the obstruction is at the site of entry, the radiocontrast material cannot travel further and your condition cannot be visualized. When laparoscopy is performed, the enlarged ovarian ducts are visualized. Any adhesions in other organs are detected. Laparoscopy not only diagnoses but also allows the necessary interventions to be performed.

Is it possible to prevent

Since hydrosalpinx is easily caused by sexually transmitted diseases, measures to prevent the transmission of these diseases will also reduce the occurrence of hydrosalpinx. However, it is sometimes possible to develop hydrosalpinx after antibiotic treatment in the early stages of infections.

How is the treatment done?

In case of infertility due to hydrosalpinx, ovarian duct surgery was performed in the past. Unfortunately, because the infection progressed and the ducts were very damaged, most patients would develop hydrosalpinx again and adhesions would continue. Also, the rate of ectopic pregnancy would increase. Today, the procedures are performed laparoscopically and such problems are not seen so much. In women with hydrosalpinx who want children, IVF can be used as an adjunctive method.

Some studies support removal of the ovarian duct before in vitro fertilization is attempted. Ovarian duct removal is also a last resort for patients who do not have infertility problems and cannot get rid of the pain with painkillers.

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