The fallopian tubes, also known as oviducts or uterine tubes, are a pair of hollow, muscular ducts located between the ovaries and uterus. These tubes help transport eggs from the ovaries to the uterus, where a fertilised egg can develop into a foetus.
Types of fallopian tube disorders
Fallopian tube disorders occur when there is a blockage or structural irregularity in the fallopian tube. A blockage in the fallopian tubes (tubal obstruction) may lead to inability to conceive as the fallopian tubes are essential in allowing sperm to reach the egg and transferring a fertilised egg to the uterus.
There are several types of fallopian tube disorders:
- Salpingitis refers to inflammation of the fallopian tubes that is usually caused by bacterial infection, including sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as gonorrhoea and chlamydia. Salpingitis is a type of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) that can lead to scarring and blockage of the fallopian tubes if left untreated. This may cause infertility and increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy.
- Hydrosalpinx occurs when fluid accumulates in the fallopian tubes due to an accident or infection. The blockage may lead to difficulty of becoming pregnant.
- Fallopian tube fibroids are fibroids that appear in the fallopian tubes.
- Tubal factor infertility is one of the most frequent reasons for infertility in females. It is due to occlusion in the fallopian tubes causing adhesions and tubal damage.
- Paratubal cyst are fluid-filled masses that develop near the ovaries and fallopian tubes. They are noncancerous and typically go away on their own.
- Isolated tubal torsion refers to twisting or torsion of the fallopian tube alone, without affecting the ovary. It is a rare condition that normally affects teenagers and ovulating women, and rarely found in postmenopausal women.
- Endosalpingiosis is a rare gynaecological condition characterised by the presence of fallopian tube tissue outside the fallopian tube. It may affect the ovaries, myometrium (middle layer of the uterus wall), or bladder. Endosalpingiosis has been linked to pelvic pain, infertility, pelvic mass, and urinary symptoms.
Causes of fallopian tube disorders
Fallopian tube disorders are caused by conditions that block or damage the tube such as pelvic infections, ectopic pregnancy, ruptured appendix, pelvis or lower abdomen surgery, inflammation that damages the uterus and fallopian tubes, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and birth defects of the tubes and uterus.
Symptoms of fallopian tube disorders
Women with fallopian tube disorder may present with symptoms such as pelvic pain, abdominal pain, fever, unusual vaginal discharge, pain during menstruation / urination / sexual intercourse, menstrual irregularity, infertility, presence of pelvic mass, and urinary symptoms.
Diagnosis of fallopian tube disorders
Fallopian tube disorder can be diagnosed via the following procedures.
Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) is an x-ray dye test that is used to determine if the fallopian tubes are obstructed.
Hysteroscopy involves using anarrow, illuminated device called a hysteroscope to look inside the uterus. It is frequently performed after an HSG and can establish whether the fallopian tubes are blocked.
Saline-infusion sonography (sonohysterogram) is an ultrasound procedure that creates an image of the uterus while it is being filled with saline. If the fallopian tubes are blocked, a sonohysterogram can reveal that.
Hysterosalpingo contrast sonography (HyCoSy) is another ultrasound procedure that produces an image of the fallopian tubes while they are filled with a fluid that contains foam or air bubbles. Movement of the solution can disclose any obstructions in the fallopian tubes.
Laparoscopy is a surgical treatment allows for visual examination of the fallopian tubes through abdominal incisions (cuts). A gynaecologist will examine the fallopian tubes to determine if they are blocked using a tiny, lighted camera known as a laparoscope.
Treatment options for fallopian tube disorder
Treatments options for fallopian tube disorders include the following.
Salpingectomy is a surgical procedure to remove a single fallopian tube or both fallopian tubes (also known as bilateral salpingectomy).
Salpingo-oophorectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the fallopian tube and ovary.
Salpingostomy is a procedure that involves making an incision into a fallopian tube over the site of the pregnancy and removing the ectopic pregnancy. It can also be performed to remove a blockage in the fallopian tube or repair damaged tissues.
Tubal ligation is a sterilisation procedure or a type of permanent birth control. During the operation, the fallopian tubes are cut, tied, or blocked, permanently preventing the union of an egg and sperm.
Tubal reconstructive surgery is a procedure performed to undo a tubal ligation or restore the function of damaged fallopian tubes
Make an appointment at Gleneagles Hospitals
If you suspect that you are experiencing symptoms of fallopian tube disorders, get in touch with us to find out more about our Obstetrics & Gynaecology Services at your nearest Gleneagles Hospital.
You may also contact the Health Screening Centre at your nearest Gleneagles Hospital for health screening appointments.
