Effects of cornual catheterization on uterotubal histology and function

Objective: To assess histologic damage and functional impairment following coaxial tubal catheterization. Design: Prospective randomized controlled study. Setting: Research laboratory. Patient(s): Ninety-two female New Zealand rabbits. Intervention(s): Tubal cannulation and mating. Main Outcome Measure(s): Rabbits randomized for placement of unilateral catheter and guide wire (group 1), unilateral catheter and guide wire plus falloposcope (group 2), and catheterization as in group 1 or 2 but using a cage catheter (groups 3 and 4, respectively). A fifth group consisted of rabbits with tubal perforations. Rabbits were killed at 2 or 4 weeks after catheterization or after mating. The sixth group consisted of only control rabbits. Result(s): Only one catheterized tube in groups 1 and 3 showed inflammation, fibrosis, or edema. None of the tubes manifested ciliary loss. Serosal tubal adhesions were identified in two tubes in group 1, in one in group 3, in three tubes in group 5, and one in the control group. The nidation index in control and nonperforated catheterized tubes ranged from 72%-95% (not significant). Nidation index in tubes unintentionally perforated was 81%. Conclusion(s): Catheterization of the uterotubal junction and fallopian tube in rabbits does not cause long-term tubal damage or impair tubal function.