An audit of patients investigated by laparoscopy and dye for infertility

We reviewed 100 laparoscopy and dye studies performed in the Coombe Women's Hospital to determine whether recommended guidelines were followed for the investigation of infertility. Individual chart review provided information on patient demographics, preoperative investigations, operative findings and outcome. Preoperative assessment of ovulation or a semen analysis was not performed in 20 and 30 women, respectively. At laparoscopy bilateral tubal patency was demonstrated in 86 patients, three patients had bilateral blocked tubes and 11 patients had unilateral tubal occlusion. In 54% of patients there were no other additional findings. Following laparoscopy five women were referred for in vitro fertilisation and five patients had further surgery as a result of the findings at laparoscopy. In addition, three women were treated for hyperprolactinaemia and three male partners were referred for further investigation. Within one year 20 women became pregnant, 18 delivered a baby and two had a miscarriage.