Salpingography: Understanding Uterus & Fallopian Tube X-ray

Salpingography (hysterosalpingography, HSG) is a fluoroscopic X-ray procedure evaluating uterine cavity and fallopian tube patency.

Procedure

1. Contrast medium injected transcervically.
2. Real-time imaging tracks contrast flow: uterine cavity → tubes → peritoneal spill.
3. Performed in follicular phase (days 6–12) to avoid pregnancy disruption.

Diagnostic Uses

• Tubal occlusion (proximal/distal), hydrosalpinx.
• Uterine anomalies (septum, bicornuate, synechiae/Asherman's).
• Filling defects (polyps, fibroids).

Therapeutic Benefit

Oil-based contrast may improve pregnancy rates in unexplained infertility (flushing effect).

Risks

Infection (prophylactic doxycycline), vasovagal reaction, radiation exposure (low), contrast allergy.