Hysterosalpingocontrastsonography in clinical practice

The aim of this study was to review the indication, source of referral and findings at hysterosalpingocontrastsonography (HyCoSy) of the first 100 patients referred for this new service in the gynaecological outpatients department of the Coombe Women's Hospital, Dublin. Of the first 100 women referred for HyCoSy, the indication for referral was investigation of infertility in 72%, recurrent miscarriage in 22% and other reasons in 6%. Sixty-four women were referred from general gynaecological clinics, 29 from the specialised infertility clinic and seven women were referred from other hospitals. The procedure was completed in 97% of cases and tubal patency successfully assessed in 95%. Saline hysterosonography was performed in 96 cases. Tubal assessment with Echovistt showed bilateral tubal patency in 73%, bilateral occlusion in 10% and unilateral patency in 12%. All women were discharged within 30 minutes of the procedure. We concluded that hysterosalpingocontrastsonography is an easily introduced, successful outpatient technique, which is well tolerated by women and provides clinically relevant information in women with infertility or recurrent miscarriage.