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Objective: To assess the histomorphological effects of smoking on the cilia of fallopian tubes in mice and the effect of vitamin E on the negative effects of smoke., Study Design: Eighteen 12-14 week-old Swiss albino type female mice were randomly divided into three groups, each consisting of six mice: Group A: control group; Group B: mice exposed to cigarette smoke; Group C: mice exposed to cigarette smoke together with vitamin E. Groups B and C were exposed to cigarette smoke for 10 weeks. After 10 weeks, tubal excision was performed in all animals. Histopathologic examination of excised tubal tissue was conducted under light microscopy., Results: The number of cilia was significantly lower in Group B. Although not statistically significant, the median number of cilia in Group C was measured to be higher than in Group B but lower than in Group A., Conclusion: Based on the results, it can be concluded that smoking decreases tubal cilia numbers. Supplementation by vitamin E may treat or at least help to slow down the decrease in number of cilia caused by smoking; therefore it could be used therapeutically in the treatment of smoking-related tubal damage., (Crown Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

We previously reported that intracervical inoculation with Chlamydia muridarum induced hydrosalpinx in DBA/1j mice, but intravaginal inoculation failed to do so. In the current study, we found unexpectedly that intrabursal inoculation of live chlamydial organisms via the oviduct failed to induce significant hydrosalpinx. We further tested whether primary infection via intravaginal or intrabursal inoculation could induce protective immunity against hydrosalpinx following intracervical challenge infection. Mice infected intravaginally with C. muridarum were fully protected from developing hydrosalpinx, while intrabursal inoculation offered partial protection. We then compared immune responses induced by the two genital tract inoculations. Both inoculations induced high IFNγ and IL-17 T cell responses although the ratio of IgG2a versus IgG1 in intravaginally infected mice was significantly higher than in mice infected intrabursally. When the antigen-specificities of antibody responses were compared, both groups of mice dominantly recognized 24 C. muridarum antigens, while each group preferentially recognized unique sets of antigens. Thus, we have demonstrated that intrabursal inoculation is neither effective for causing hydrosalpinx nor efficient in inducing protective immunity in DBA/1j mice. Intravaginal immunization, in combination with intracervical challenge infection in DBA/1j mice, can be a useful model for understanding mechanisms of chlamydial pathogenicity and protective immunity., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To investigate the clinical outcome of patients who underwent cryopreservation of all embryos., Methods: A retrospective analysis was made in the clinical data of patients with cryopreservation of all embryos between April 2011 and September 2011 in four hospitals of North China. The patients were divided into five groups according to the reasons of cryopreservation of all embryos: ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) group, serum progesterone elevation group, endometrial group, hydrosalpinx group and others. The clinical pregnancy rate per transfer, implantation rate and cumulative clinical pregnancy rate were analyzed., Results: The clinical pregnancy rate, implantation rate and cumulative clinical pregnancy rate of the OHSS group were 55.4%, 34.8% and 73.7%, respectively. The rates of the serum progesterone elevation group were 25.5%, 11.2% and 43.1%, respectively. The rates of the endometrial group were 54.8%, 34.4% and 61.5%, respectively. The rates of the hydrosalpinx group were 60%, 30% and 60%, respectively. The rates of the other factors group were 36.0%, 24.5% and 44.0%, respectively., Conclusion: The strategy of cryopreservation of all embryos could improve the clinical outcomes of patients with severe OHSS. It still needs a large multi-centre, randomized trial to evaluate its effectiveness and side effects, although it has the positive clinical application for other reasons of cryopreservation of all embryos.

Purpose: Although the traditional cutdown inguinal hernia repair in children is well established, tubal occlusion has been reported as a complication in girls. The purpose was to investigate the mechanism of this complication and the efficacy of laparoscopic repair for preventing tubal occlusion., Methods: Between October 2006 and May 2010, we performed laparoscopic hernia repair in 100 girls (54 with a right hernia, including 2 with an inguinal ovarian hernia, 40 with a left hernia, including 3 with an inguinal ovarian hernias, and 6 with bilateral hernias). During laparoscopic repair we examined the anatomical relationship between the ovary, ovarian suspensory ligament, internal inguinal ring, and round ligament on both sides., Results: In 17 cases, 5 with an inguinal ovarian hernia and 12 without, the suspensory ligaments were ventrally dislocated and attached around the internal inguinal ring, and the ovary and fallopian tube were positioned near the internal inguinal ring and above the pelvic brim on the side of the original hernia., Conclusion: This ventrally dislocated attachment may facilitate sliding of the ovaries and tubes into the hernial sac and induce tubal occlusion as a postoperative complication of inguinal hernia repair. The laparoscopic procedure makes it easy to prevent this complication.

Background: The recommendation to perform an elective bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO) at the time of a hysterectomy for a benign condition is complex., Aim: This survey evaluated the effect of three factors on BSO: the patient's age, her menopausal status, and the presence of a family history of breast cancer., Materials and Method: We conducted an anonymous written survey, sent to 1513 gynaecologists, evaluating their attitude towards performing a prophylactic BSO concomitantly with a hysterectomy. We used a clinical vignette of a patient presenting a large and painful fibroid. We modified three factors: her age (either 44 or 49 years old), menopausal status (pre-menopausal or peri-menopausal), the absence or presence of a breast cancer family history. We randomly sent one case to each gynaecologist, who was asked whether he/she would perform a BSO., Results: The recommendation to perform a BSO varied between 2% and 81%, in relation to the different cases (χ(2): 151; p<0.001). On average, a five year difference in the patients' age (44 years vs 49 years) was associated with a 40% increase in proceeding a BSO. Being peri-menopausal vs being pre-menopausal, was associated with a 20% increase in suggesting a BSO. Having had a mother, diagnosed with breast cancer, was associated with a 10% increase of BSO., Conclusion: The physicians' recommendation to perform an elective bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy at the time of a hysterectomy, is strongly influenced by the patients' age, and to a lesser extent by her menopausal status, or a family history of breast cancer., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of subchronic methyl parathion (MP) administration on lipid peroxidation and fallopian tube damage, and to evaluate the preventive effects of the use of vitamins E and C against toxicity. The experimental groups were: rats treated with corn oil (control group), with 5 mg/kg MP and with 5 mg/kg body weight MP plus vitamins E and C (MP + Vit). The groups were given MP by oral gavage for five days a week for four weeks at a daily dose of 5 mg/kg (MP and MP + Vit) using corn oil as a vehicle. Vitamins E and C were injected at doses of 50 mg/kg intramuscularly and 20 mg/kg intraperitoneally, respectively, just after the treatment with MP in the MP + Vit group. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined in rat plasma. Electron microscopic ultrastuructural and histopathological changes in the fallopian tissue were examined. MDA levels were higher in the MP group than in the control group, and lower in the MP + Vit group than in the MP group. MP led to deletions in microvilli and marked loss in kinocillia of surface epithelium. But these marked histopathological findings decreased in the MP + Vit group. Multiple doses of MP administration caused some damage in the fallopian tube, and treatment with vitamins E and C after MP could reduce this effect.

In Africa, infertility constitutes a major gynaecological complaint and causes enormous socio-psychological stress to the patients. This study examined retrospective data at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria, over a 5-year period to determine the factors associated with tubal infertility. Tubal infertility was confirmed in 13.5% of the 1181 new cases of infertility over the study period. The mean age of the patients was 33.2+/-9.5 years. Over 65% were nulliparous and all socioeconomic classes were affected. Major associated factors included infections such as post-abortal sepsis, puerperal sepsis and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Infertility is largely preventable. Attention should be focused on reducing the incidence of unsafe abortion and its consequences, providing clean and safe delivery as well as reducing the incidence of and ensuring proper treatment of any cases of PID. Infertility is largely preventable. Attention should be focused on reducing the incidence of unsafe abortion and its consequences, providing clean and safe delivery as well as reducing the incidence of and ensuring proper treatment of any cases of PID.

Objective: To study the effects of Salvia miltiorrhiza on treatment of Chlamydia trachomatis salpingitis (CTS) and fibrosis., Method: A mouse model for CTS was estahlished in C3H/He by intravaginal inoculation. after 3 weeks mice were randomly divided into 3 groups. Only Azithromyxin was given orally, Azithromyxin and early S. miltiorrhiza given, or Azithromyxin and later S. miltiorrhiza given. After 10 weeks, observe the change of oviduct of mice, observe the histopathologic change and analysis collagen histochemical index., Result: 3 Treatment groups induce tubal occlusion and hydrosalpinx decreased and the collagen histochemical index decreased significantly than those of no treatment given (P < 0.05). Early S. miltiorrhiza given group induce tubal occlusion and hydrosalpinx decreased and the collagen histochemical index decreased significantly than only Azithromyxin group or later S. miltiorrhiza given group (P <0.05)., Conclusion: When we treat CTS genital infection with Azithromyxin, if we can give S. miltiorrhiza treatment as early as possible, it may decrease tubal occlusion and hydrosalpinx. significantly inhibit fibrosis maybe one of its pharmacologic mechanismin.

Objective: To investigate the clinical diagnosis, treatment and prevention of fallopian tube prolapse (FTP) after hysterectomy., Methods: A total of 7949 patients received hysterectomy from 1983 to Aug 2005 in Peking Union Medical College Hospital, including 6229 cases of trans-abdominal hysterectomy (TAH), 780 cases of transvaginal hysterectomy (TVH), and 940 cases of laparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH). Nine cases (including 1 case from other hospital) of FTP after hysterectomy were analyzed retrospectively for their symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. All of them were diagnosed according to the results of histology and follow-up., Results: The overall incidence of FTP after hysterectomy was 0.11% (9/7949). Incidence of FTP after trans-abdominal hysterectomy was 0.08% (5/6229), after vaginal hysterectomy 0.51% (4/780), and after laparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomy 0 (0/940). There were no symptoms in 3 cases, but the other 6 cases had symptoms. The pelvic examination revealed the typical prolapsed fimbrial end of a fallopian tube in 3 cases and red granulation tissue in the other 6 cases. All of them were excised vaginally and cauterized. The results were confirmed by histological examination. No recurrent cases were reported in follow up., Conclusions: FTP is a rare complication after hysterectomy. The prognosis is well after proper diagnosis and treatment. Salpingectomy or fixation of accessories into the pelvic wall and complete peritonealisation at the time of hysterectomy are important methods to prevent FTP after hysterectomy.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the recurrence rate of hydrosalpinges after cuff neosalpingostomy in poor prognosis candidates., Methods: Forty consecutive patients with hydrosalpinx treated with cuff neosalpingostomy were included. Main outcome measures were recurrence rate of hydrosalpinx after cuff neosalpingostomy, intrauterine and ectopic pregnancy rates., Results: Intraoperatively, the mean size of the hydrosalpinx was 1.9+/-0.7 cm, and 77% of patients had evidence of pelvic adhesions. Recurrence of hydrosalpinx, whether unilateral or bilateral was 70% (28/40) per patient. Intrauterine and ectopic pregnancy rates were 5% (2/40) and 2.5% (1/40), with a total pregnancy rate of 7.5% (3/40)., Conclusions: Most patients experience recurrence of hydrosalpinx after cuff neosalpingostomy, thus requiring additional surgery such as salpingectomy prior to in vitro fertilization (IVF). In a poor prognosis population, salpingectomy should be considered as the primary treatment for hydrosalpinx prior to IVF.

Objective: To investigate the clinical diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of fallopian tube prolapse (FTP) after hysterectomy., Methods: A total of 7949 patients received hysterectomy from January 1983 to August 2005 in Peking Union Medical College Hospital, and 9 cases (including 1 case from other hospital) of FTP after hysterectomy were involved during this period. All of them were diagnosed according to pathological results and were followed up. The symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of the FTP patients were analyzed retrospectively., Results: The incidence of FTP after hysterectomy was 0.1% (8/7949), with the incidence of FTP after transabdominal hysterectomy being 0.06% (4/6229), after trans-vaginal hysterectomy being 0.5% (4/780), after laparoscopic assistant vaginal hysterectomy being 0 (0/940). There was no symptom in 3 cases. The pelvic examination revealed the typical prolapsed fimbrial end of a fallopian tube in 3 cases and the other 6 cases revealed red granulation tissue. All of them were excised vaginally and cauterized. The results were proved by pathological examination. No recurrence was reported during follow-up., Conclusions: FTP is a rare complication after hysterectomy. The prognosis is well after proper diagnosis and treatment Fixation of accessories onto the pelvic wall and complete peritonealization at the time of hysterectomy are the most important methods to prevent FTP after hysterectomy.

Objective: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of diphenhydramine-HCl and Na-hyaluronate derivatives on the development of postoperative peritoneal adhesion and tubal obstruction., Study Design: Forty female rats of Sprague-Dawley type were used in the study. The rats were divided into four groups, each comprising 10 subjects. After all the rats were anaesthetized with 50mg/kg ketamine HCl, their abdomens were opened with a lower midline incision. Injury was induced on the right pelvic peritoneum and on the peritoneal surface of left uterine tube. No additional procedure was applied to the first group. 10 mg/kg diphenhydramine-HCl was given to the second group intravenously. In the third group, 0.25 mg/kg Orthovisc, a Na-hyaluronate derivative was diluted with 2 ml physiological saline and poured into the abdomen. For the fourth group, Seprafilm, a Na-hyaluronate derivative was covered in a layer of 0.7 cm x 3 cm over the left uterine tube. After 14 days, the rats were anaesthetized with ketamine HCl again, and 5 cm(3) blood sample was taken with cardiac puncture. The abdomen was opened with an incision transverse to the upper end of the midline incision, and the presence of adhesions was investigated. Detected adhesions were staged according to the Mazuji classification. Tubal patencies were inspected by injecting methylene blue from the uterine corpus into the lumen using an injector. A piece of abdominal wall of 4 cm x 4 cm was removed by extending the incision in the reverse U shape. The tensile strength and bursting pressure of the suture line were determined using the Peacock method. One gram of tissue was taken from the incision line, and hydroxyproline levels were determined by the Bergman-Loxley method. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were measured., Results: All of the rats completed the study. AST levels, tissue hydroxyproline levels and tensile strength and bursting pressure test results were found to be similar in all groups. While adhesion rates in the groups were 100, 40, 40 and 30%, respectively, adhesion stages were found to be, respectively as 2.1+/-1.7, 0.6+/-0.67, 0.6+/-0.67 and 0.5+/-0.85. Adhesion stages in the study groups were significantly lower (P<0.05). Tubal obstruction rates were found to be 70, 30, 30 and 20%, respectively., Conclusion: Diphenhydramine, Orthovisc and Seprafilm significantly reduce postoperative peritoneal adhesion development, and they allow the uterine tubes to remain open.

The fallopian tube is the essential link between the ovary and the uterus. Its transport mechanisms are now reasonably well understood and include orderly ovum transfer by the fimbria, and ovum/preembryo retention, with transport to the uterus on the third postovulatory day. Sperm/tube interaction ensures a reservoir and storage/activation system at the tubal isthmus. Ovum/tube interaction is driven by the HCO3 ion in the tubal secretions, which also supply pyruvate and other essential substances to the preembryo. Tubal function may be impaired/destroyed by salpingitis, a peritubal disease resulting from ruptured appendix, endometriosis, and ectopic pregnancy (often the result of prior tubal damage with partial occlusion or luminal adhesions). Prophylactic measures include counseling the patient on how to avoid sexually transmitted disease or inhibition of upward ascent of bacteria, and, in the case of ectopic pregnancy, how to use the most efficient contraceptive measures. The least intrusive transfer methods are helpful in avoiding tubal pregnancy following embryo transfer after in vitro fertilization, and results are improved by pretreatment removal of hydrosalpinges. Among adolescents, efforts should be made to preserve tubal function and to increase awareness of the importance of avoiding tubal disease with an eye to preserving future reproductive capacity.

The formation of adhesions after abdominal surgery is a very frequent event, often burdened by complications. Different techniques and materials have been tested in order to reduce peritoneal damage and the onset of adhesions. While the introduction of improved surgical techniques has been decisive, the use of drugs and irritating solutions has not produced significant results. Promising results have been obtained by the use of barrier systems that allow the peritoneal surfaces to be mechanically separated during healing and re-epithelialization: Interceed (TC7)--Absorbable Adhesion Barrier--appears to be the most appropriate material for this purpose at present, given that it has been demonstrated to be of use in reducing both the incidence and extent of adhesions. The use of this material in general surgery over the past to years or so appears to the authors to be indicated in the event of secondary abdominal surgery with detachment and extensive peritoneal damage, and in more restricted surgery performed on the true pelvis in women of child-bearing age.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of Interceed as an adjuvant in the prevention of postoperative adhesion reformation to the ovary, fallopian tube, and fimbria when used together with microsurgical techniques., Design: Prospective, randomized, multicenter, controlled clinical study., Setting: Normal human volunteers in an academic research environment., Patients: Sixty-six women suffering from infertility due at least in part to bilateral tubal disease with bilateral adhesions attached to ovaries, fallopian tubes, and fimbriae., Intervention: Adhesiolysis bilaterly through laparotomy with microsurgical techniques, application of Interceed on one of the sides randomly assigned not known by the surgeon before application, follow-up laparoscopy 4 to 10 weeks postoperatively, with each patient serving as her own control., Main Outcome Measures: Adhesion severity scores at all sites and number of adhesion free organs after laparotomy and follow-up laparoscopy., Results: When the initial scores registered at the operation for fertility were compared with those registered at the second-look laparoscopy, the results indicated that gentle microsurgical techniques resulted in a significant reduction of postoperative adhesions. Adnexa, which were covered with Interceed, had significantly lower adhesion scores than the control adnexa, representing an improvement of 39% compared with microsurgery alone (control) in reducing adhesion reformation scores. When combined with microsurgical techniques, Interceed reduced adhesion reformation scores by 70%. The number of ovaries, fallopian tubes, and fimbriae without adhesions at the time of second-look laparoscopy was significantly increased by approximately twofold when organs were covered with Interceed., Conclusion: In a prospective, randomized, multicenter, controlled clinical study using a protocol in which other adjuvants have been shown not to be efficacious, Interceed was shown to reduce significantly the incidence and severity of adhesion reformation to the ovary, fallopian tube, and fimbria after infertility surgery.

Objective: To determine the relationship between some reproductive variables and infertility caused by tubal obstruction., Design: A retrospective, case-control study., Setting: A tertiary care university hospital that is a referral center for infertility patients., Participants: Subjects were interviewed between March 1990 and December 1991. Cases were 215 consecutively recruited infertile women with either evidence of tubal obstruction found at laparoscopy or hydrosalpinx diagnosed by hysterosalpingography. Women with a history of surgical sterilization were excluded. Controls, selected in the same hospital, were women in the puerperium who had no history of infertility. Two controls were matched by age at the time of tubal obstruction diagnosis to each case., Results: History of pelvic surgery and use of alcohol were significantly associated with the risk of infertility caused by tubal obstruction. The use of barrier, oral, and medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) contraceptives was associated with a protective effect. When only women with secondary infertility were analyzed, history of pelvic surgery and number of lifetime sexual partners were significant risk factors, and the previous use of oral contraceptives was the only protective factor., Conclusions: History of pelvic surgery was the most important risk factor for tubal infertility. All precautions must be taken to avoid infection and adhesion formation when pelvic surgery is performed. In addition, women can be protected from tubal infertility by using barrier, oral, or MPA contraceptive methods.

Postoperative infection after operative hysteroscopy is uncommon. However, patients who have a past history of pelvic inflammatory disease appear to be at risk of developing such infections, including tuboovarian abscesses. Prophylactic antibiotics during operative hysteroscopy appear to be effective in preventing this problem.

In the years from 1989 to 1991 HSG examination was carried out in 502 infertile women. Two hours before the examination 5 mg of diazepam and 5 mg of fenoterol were orally administered, and 30 minutes prior to the procedure 2.5 mg of metamizole were given intramuscularly. The examined population of women was found to have normal patency of oviducts in 412 (82.07%) women, 48 (9.56%) had uni- or bilateral impatency of abdominal openings, in 16 (3.19%) there was uni- and in 19 (3.78%) bilateral +impatency of oviducts in uterine segments, while in 7 (1.39%) alternating impatency was disclosed. Of 502 women in 109 patients laparoscopy and chromotubation were performed during a period from 2 to 16 months after HSG examinations. In 30 (93.7%) out of 32 women with impatency of oviducts in the proximal segment, the diagnosis was confirmed. The administered drugs effectively prevent uterine-tubal spasms occurring at the time HSG is being accomplished.

Since serosal drying and tissue abrasion play an important role in adhesion formation, we tested the hypothesis that the peritoneal instillation of 32% high-molecular-weight dextran 70 (H) before, rather than after, a surgical procedure results in less postoperative adhesion formation and reformation. Twenty rabbits were subjected to a standardized surgical injury on one ovary, the ipsilateral uterine horn and adjacent parietal peritoneum. Three weeks later the animals underwent a second laparotomy to blindly score the adhesions and subsequently lyse them using microsurgical techniques. The animals were randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups, with H administered either before or at the end of each surgical procedure. Three weeks after the second surgical procedure, the animals were killed to blindly score adhesions. There was no difference in the mean adhesion scores between the two groups after either the first (2.0 versus 2.9, NS) or second surgical procedure (5.5 versus 5.1, NS). Thus, we conclude that preoperative instillation of H does not offer any advantage over postoperative instillation in the prevention of either adhesion formation or reformation.

A study was designed to determine the efficacy of second-look laparoscopy adhesiolysis in preventing adhesion recurrence seven days after conservative microsurgical reconstructive surgery on the uterotuboovarian complex. Third-look laparoscopy was used to evaluate the second-look laparoscopy adhesiolysis 6-18 months later. It indicated that second-look laparoscopy adhesiolysis was beneficial in preventing adhesion recurrence.

Two techniques of salpingotomy have been compared in two series of rabbit experiments with the aim of finding out whether, when carrying out conservative surgery in extra-uterine pregnancy with rupture of the tube, it is better to suture the salpingotomy or to leave it open without suture. The two series show that there is no difference as far as the frequency of large adhesions, as far as ovulation and the strength of the scar and the pregnancy rate g out conservative surgery in extra-uterine pregnancy with rupture of the tube, it is better to suture the salpingotomy or to leave it open without suture. The two series show that there is no difference as far as the frequency of large adhesions, as far as ovulation and the strength of the scar and the pregnancy rate g out conservative surgery in extra-uterine pregnancy with rupture of the tube, it is better to suture the salpingotomy or to leave it open without suture. The two series show that there is no difference as far as the frequency of large adhesions, as far as ovulation and the strength of the scar and the pregnancy rate following the two methods. On the other hand, implantation is less good when the tube is left open than when the salpingotomy is sewn up. In the first series there was a significant difference between the side that was operated on and the control side, whereas the second series there was very little difference. In spite of the fact that the scar seemed to be apparently of the same type, the eggs were able to descend more easily in the oviduct when it had been sutured.

The efficacy of two nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, ibuprofen and indomethacin, in the prevention of postoperative adhesions was examined. Thirty-three guinea pigs were randomly divided into three groups: a control group (n = 11), an ibuprofen group (n = 11), and an indomethacin group (n = 11). All of the animals received standardized injuries, and adhesions were graded 4 weeks later. Both treatment groups were found to have significantly fewer (P less than 0.01) adhesions when compared with the control group with no difference among the two treatment groups. It is concluded that ibuprofen and indomethacin are equally effective in reducing postoperative adhesions.

We studied past contraceptive use in 283 nulliparous infertile women who had a diagnosis of tubal adhesions or occlusion and in 3833 women admitted for delivery at seven collaborating hospitals from 1981 to 1983. The relative risk of tubal infertility associated with barrier contraceptive use or oral contraceptive use was calculated using multivariate logistic regression to control for confounding by region, age, religion, education, smoking, number of sexual partners, time since menarche, and use of other contraceptive methods. Women who had ever used barrier methods of contraception were at a significantly decreased risk of tubal infertility (relative risk = 0.6; 95% confidence limits, 0.5 and 0.8). When type of barrier method used for the longest time was evaluated, those who used the diaphragm or condoms plus spermicides were at lower risk than those who used condoms or spermicides alone. Overall, past use of oral contraceptives neither increased nor decreased a woman's risk of tubal infertility, but there was evidence that the association between oral contraceptives and tubal infertility may vary by the amount of estrogen and type of progestogen in the oral contraceptive used. We conclude that contraceptive users who use barrier methods that combine both a mechanical and chemical barrier, such as diaphragms, cervical caps, and condoms plus spermicides, have the clearest protection against tubal damage.

Four hundred three attempted hysteroscopic tubal sterilizations were performed. Tubal spasm was encountered in 37 cases (9.2%) and prevented bilateral placement of tubal plugs in 16 of those cases. There was some evidence that glucagon was associated with a higher rate of remission and that women using barrier birth control methods experienced a lower incidence of tubal spasm. A number of other factors were found to be unrelated to tubal spasm and its remission.

Tubal abrasions were surgically induced in 25 rhesus monkeys following demonstration of tubal patency. Five monkeys received dexamethasone, promethazine, and ampicillin perioperatively, five received intraperitoneal 10% dextran 40, five received intraperitoneal 32% dextran 70, and 10 received no additional therapy. Fimbrial biopsies were obtained from two additional monkeys treated with 32% dextran 70 before and postoperatively on days 2, 5, and 7. Only those treated with 32% dextran 70 retained tubal patency and avoided development of adhesions, involving fimbria, omentum, ovary, uterus, and bladder. Histologic examination of fimbrial biopsies demonstrated sufficient epithelial repair to have occurred during the 5 days 32% dextran 70 remained in the pelvin cavity to prevent adhesion formation.

To determine if the prostaglandin synthetase inhibitors ibuprofen and flurbiprofen can suppress postoperative adhesion formation, New Zealand White rabbits that had uterine tubal ligation underwent uterine tube reanastomosis and were given either saline solution (controls), 75 mg of ibuprofen intravenously every 6 hours, or 12.5 mg of flurbiprofen intravenously every 6 hours for 8 doses after operation. Both ibuprofen and flurbiprofen significantly reduced postoperative adhesions (p less than 0.025). With histologic indices of tissue reunion, ibuprofen and flurbiprofen were associated with significantly less scar thickness than controls (p less than 0.001) but did not have any significant effect on mucosal regeneration, foreign body reaction, and muscularis disruption. When all four histologic indices were compared, flurbiprofen but not ibuprofen had a significantly lower score than controls, indicating the greater potency of flurbiprofen over ibuprofen. Our findings show that ibuprofen and flurbiprofen can suppress perioperative and postoperative surgically induced inflammatory response associated with healing and thereby reduce adhesion formation and scar thickness.

The authors consider all the mechanisms through which a genital infection is able to affect fertility and fecundity. They conclude that a strict diagnosis and treatment must complement accurate information of the public by physicians.

The effectiveness of systemic corticosteroids in the prevention of adhesion formation and reformation has been recently questioned, on the grounds of non randomized studies. Noxythiolin has been tried in animal experiments, but never in the human. In this paper, a randomized study of the effect of dexamethasone and/or noxythiolin versus no treatment has been conducted by the Group d'Etude des Adhérences Pelviennes. 126 patients have been operated upon by microsurgery (salpingectomy and/or salpingolysis). Adhesions have been assessed by a score derived from the American Fertility Society endometriosis classification, before operation and by laparoscopy 3 to 6 months later. The mean improvement on adhesion score was 23.2 in the corticosteroid treated group, 19.3 in the noxythiolin group, 15.7 in the noxythiolin and corticosteroid group, 10.2 in the control group. 40% of patients (13 out of 32) in the corticosteroid group, versus 26% (5 out of 29) in the noxythiolin and corticosteroid group and 19% (6 out of 31) in the control group (p less than 0.02) became pregnant. No adverse effect has been noted. These results support the use of corticosteroids in infertility surgery.