Hysterosalpingography

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A normal hysterosalpingogram. Note the catheter entering at the bottom of the screen, and the dark contrast medium filling the uterine cavity (small triangle in the center) and outlining the Fallopian tubes (winding structures on left and right).

Hysterosalpingography (HSG) is a radiologic procedure in which the female vagina is investigated for examine the uterus and fallopian tubes. It entails the injection of a radio-opaque material into the cervical canal and usually fluoroscopy with image intensification. A normal result shows the filling of the uterine cavity and the bilateral filling of the fallopian tube with the injection material. To demonstrate tubal patency spillage of the material into the peritoneal cavity needs to be observed.

The procedure involves ionizating x-rays and should be done in the preovulatory phase of the cycle; it is contraindicated in pregnancy. The procedure was introduced in 1910. It is useful to diagnose uterine malformations, Asherman's syndrome, tubal occlusion and used extensively in the work-up of infertile women. It has been claimed that pregnancy rates are increased in a cycle when an HSG has been performed. Using catheters, an interventional radiologist can open tubes that are proximally occluded.

The test is usually done with radiographic contrast medium (dye) injected into the uterine cavity through the vagina and cervix. If the fallopian tubes are open the contrast medium will fill the tubes and spill out into the abdominal cavity. It can be determined whether the fallopian tubes are open or blocked and whether the blockage is located at the junction of the tube and the uterus (proximal) or whether it is at the end of the fallopian tube (distal).

Complications of the procedure include infection, allergic reactions to the materials used, intravasation of the material, and, if oil-based material is used, embolisation.