Post-ligation dilatation of the fallopian tube

Dilatation of fallopian tube remnants after ligation has been described but never systematically studied in post-ligation hysterosalpingograms (HSGs). This study describes the frequency and appearance of proximal tubal remnant dilatation as seen on HSGs in women with a history of bilateral tubal ligation (BTL).

A retrospective review of medical records and a subjective and objective evaluation of dilatation seen on HSGs included 68 consecutive women seen for pre-reanastomosis HSG.

Among the 68 women, 44 (67%) had objectively measured dilatation on one or both tubes. Dilatation was present in both short and long tubal remnants. There were no measurable differences between women with and without presence of dilatation. Neither length nor dilatation of tubal remnant was associated with pregnancy outcome.

Dilatation of the tubal remnant after bilateral tubal ligation is a common finding on HSG and can be accurately identified from the HSG by radiologists. Dilatation is not strictly related to length, and in our small sample with follow-up, was not associated with pregnancy outcome.