[Value and possibilities for the improvement of hysterosalpingography]

The diagnostic results of hysterosalpingography and laparoscopy were compared (30 patients). Agreement between the methods was found in 73%. In 17% of the women, findings seen on hysterosalpingography, could not be confirmed at laparoscopy. Conversely, in 10% of negative hysterosalpingograms, adhesions were found at laparoscopy. Possible causes for these differences are discussed. At present three different methods are used for hysterosalpingography. Compared with a metal cannula or a Foley catheter, the use of a baby's feeding tube resulted in a reduction of tubal spasm. A reduction in screening time and consequent decrease in gonadal radiation is possible without loss of diagnostic information.