Fallopian Tube Recanalisation (FTR)

The Microsurgery has recently started offering the Fallopian Tube Recanalisation (FTR) procedure for the treatment of blocked fallopian tubes.

What are Fallopian tubes?

The fallopian tubes are an important part of female fertility and represent the passageways for the female’s eggs to travel from the ovaries to the uterus. After the ovary releases an egg, it travels into the fallopian tube. When the sperm travels up into the fallopian tubes it fertilises the egg. The resulting embryo is transported to the uterus for implantation and for the pregnancy to continue.

What is Fallopian Tube Recanalisation (FTR)?

This is a nonsurgical procedure to clear blockages in the fallopian tubes, part of a woman’s reproductive system. Recanalisation is the medical term for “reopening.”

What causes blocked fallopian tubes?

A blockage can result from scarring (from previous surgery) or a build-up of debris within the fallopian tubes from pelvic infection.

How are blocked tubes diagnosed?

To determine whether your fallopian tubes are blocked, your doctor may suggest a laparoscopy or a hysterosalpingogram (HSG). During the HSG examination, a liquid dye (that is visible on X-rays) is inserted by a small catheter through the vagina (cervix) into the uterus. X-rays are then taken to see if there is a blockage. If the dye flows freely into the abdomen then the fallopian tubes are not blocked.

How is the FTR procedure performed?

Because the procedure can be uncomfortable, an intravenous drip is placed before the procedure and short-acting medication is used for relaxation and pain relief.

A liquid dye called ‘contrast’ is then injected through the catheter to fill and examine the uterine cavity and fallopian tubes (to assess if one tube or both are blocked). If a fallopian tube is blocked there is no passage or spillage of dye into the abdominal cavity.

A speculum is then placed in the vagina and then a small plastic tube (catheter) is placed through the cervix into the uterus.

If a fallopian tube is found to be blocked a small, soft microwire is threaded through the fallopian tube to clear the blockage.

There are many causes of infertility, blocked fallopian tubes being only one possible cause. If you are struggling to fall pregnant we recommend an appointment with your gynaecologist or fertility specialist for a comprehensive evaluation to diagnose the cause. Please let us know if we can guide you to find a doctor in your area.