1. A metal catheter is passed through the cervix and dye has filled the
uterine cavity. It is just starting to fill the tubes.
2. As the dye passes into the ampullary portion of the tube, it spreads.
3. Both tubes show free spill of dye into the abdomen.
4. Further free spill.
5. Dye spreads throughout the abdomen where it will be absorbed over
time. |
The interior of the uterus and fallopian tubes can be evaluated with an
x-ray dye study call a hysterosalpingogram. This is often performed as
part of an infertility evaluation. It's purpose is to identify anatomic
abnormalities (submucous fibroids, endometrial polyps, uterine
malformations, blocked fallopian tubes and others). It is performed
during the early proliferative phase (after cessation of menses but
before ovulation) to avoid disrupting an early pregnancy.
Radio-opaque dye is slowly injected through the cervix and into the
uterine cavity under a small amount of pressure. The dye is followed
with flouroscopy as it fills the uterine cavity and then travels
retrograde into the fallopian tubes. The internal diameter of the tube
is identified and ultimately dye spills out the finbriated end and into
the abdominal cavity. |