[Laparoscopy and hysterosalpingography in sterility examination (author's transl)]

Hysterosalpingographic and laparoscopic findings were recorded from 90 patients and compared. They were identical in 71 per cent of all cases, but in some of the cases additional findings proved recordable from laparoscopy. The point is made by the authors that laparoscopy should in any case be preceded by hysterosalpingography, since the latter is a comparatively uninvolved method which even may have therapeutic effects. Laparoscopy is indicated particularly in pathological cases or in cases of uncertain diagnosis or prior to surgery for salpingoplasty. This is the only diagnostic method by which accurate assessment is possible of the organs in the minor pelvis and of tubal function. Today, laparoscopy may be considered a safe no-risk procedure, if all necessary conditions are provided, but adequate equipment actually is available only in larger institutions at present.