Intracervical placement of catheter balloon at hysterosalpingography

OBJECTIVE -- To describe the technique of hysterosalpingography with endocervical placement of the balloon of the catheter rather than endometrial placement. PATIENTS -- 48 consecutive patients undergoing hysterosalpingography in the course of infertility work-up at a university hospital. METHOD -- With the patient in the lithotomy position, the cervix is visualized and cleansed. The catheter and balloon are inserted in the cervical canal and inflated with the contrast agent. The contrast agent is injected slowly at low pressure, and three to six spot films are obtained. Only gentle traction can be applied by this method, so oblique views are obtained early in the examination. RESULTS -- Balloon placement was atraumatic. Although good views were obtained more frequently than with traditional techniques, about one-quarter of the studies were unsatisfactory. CONCLUSION -- This method is easy, atraumatic, and allows excellent visualization of the entire endometrial cavity and upper intracervical canal.