Is tubal cannulation right for me?

You should get it done only if an imaging test clearly shows a blockage in one or both of your fallopian tubes. The procedure is most successful when the blockage is in the part of the tube closest to your womb. You may hear your doctor call this a “proximal tubal obstruction.”

If the imaging test shows a blockage, some doctors recommend that women consider tubal cannulation before having more expensive fertility procedures, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF).

WHO SHOULD NOT HAVE TUBAL CANNULATION?

Tubal cannulation may not be recommended if you have:

  • Extensive scarring in your fallopian tubes
  • Genital tuberculosis and certain other infections
  • Previous fallopian tube surgery
  • Severe blockage that is difficult for a catheter to pass through
  • Major damage to your fallopian tubes
  • Distal blockage, which happens an area of your fallopian tube that’s farthest from the uterus

The procedure may fail or may not work as well if you have:

  • Blockages in the narrowest part of the fallopian tube, called the isthmus
  • Inflamed fallopian tubes
  • Severe tubal disease

RISKS

Tubal cannulation should be done only by a doctor who’s well-trained in the procedure. Risks include:

  • Failure to make sure your fallopian tube is working
  • A tear in the fallopian tube wall
  • Peritonitis, a life-threatening infection of the tissue covering organs in your belly

WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER TUBAL CANNULATION

For many women, the procedure makes it possible to get pregnant. Your chances of pregnancy depend on the:

  • Specific procedure performed
  • Location of the blockage
  • Cause of the blockage

If tubal cannulation isn’t right for you because you have severe fallopian tube disease, you may want to consider other treatments for infertility like IVF and embryo transfer.