Fallopian Tube Aeration Test: The fallopian tube aeration test, also known as the Rubin test, involves injecting gas (carbon dioxide or oxygen) into the uterine cavity through a catheter, and determining whether the fallopian tubes are patent based on the injection pressure, auscultation of the lower abdomen, patient sensation, and abdominal X-ray to check for free gas under the armpit. Its diagnostic accuracy is only 45.0% - 50.0%, and there is a latent risk of air embolism, so it is not suitable as a method for testing fallopian tube patency, and it has been gradually replaced by other methods.
1. Hydrosalpingography: Hydrosalpingography is the process of injecting fluid into the uterine cavity through a catheter, and determining whether the fallopian tubes are patent based on the resistance of the injection, the presence or absence of reflux, the volume of fluid injected, and the patient's sensation. Due to its simplicity, the lack of need for special equipment, and low cost, hydrosalpingography is currently widely used. However, the disadvantage of hydrosalpingography is that it cannot directly understand the patency of the uterine cavity and fallopian tube cavity, and there is a possibility of causing or exacerbating hydrosalpingus.
2. Hysterosalpingography under X-ray: Hysterosalpingography (X-ray HSG) involves injecting contrast material into the uterine cavity and fallopian tubes through a catheter, and then透视 and photography under X-ray to determine the results based on the contrast material's imaging in the fallopian tubes and pelvic cavity. Hysterosalpingography can provide information about the size, shape, and contour of the cervix, uterus, and fallopian tubes. When there is no obstruction or spasm at the proximal end of the fallopian tubes, hysterosalpingography can show the length, diameter, shape, and fold of the fimbriae. HSG not only can clearly determine whether the fallopian tubes are patent or obstructed and identify the location of the obstruction, but also can make a diagnosis of the internal structure of the fallopian tubes. Selective hysterosalpingography has minimal injury, and hysterosalpingography can make an accurate diagnosis of fallopian tube obstruction (especially proximal obstruction).
3, Ultrasound examination of the uterus and fallopian tubes: Ultrasound examination of the uterus and fallopian tubes (HSUG) is simple, non-invasive, and clear in images. In the early 1980s, once the uterine tube patency test under ultrasound was proposed, it received extensive attention from gynecologists and obstetricians. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, the development and application of ultrasound contrast agents, as well as the promotion of color Doppler ultrasound diagnostic instruments (CDI), greatly improved the accuracy of evaluating the patency of the fallopian tubes under ultrasound. Practice has confirmed that the operation of hysterosalpingography under ultrasound is simple, non-invasive, has few side effects, and has a high accuracy. Transvaginal ultrasound is favored by obstetric and gynecological physicians due to its clear pelvic scanning effect and the fact that the bladder does not need to be filled. Many reproductive centers use it as a routine examination for infertile women to monitor follicle development and oocyte retrieval; therefore, transvaginal color Doppler hysterosalpingography has more advantages.