Primary microsurgery for postinflammatory tubal infertility

Pelvic inflammatory disease is a common cause of tubal infertility. The pregnancy outcomes in 161 patients who underwent primary microsurgical tuboplasty for postinflammatory tubal disease at the Mayo Clinic from 1977 through 1981 were evaluated. The outcome (3-year rate) was evaluated for each category of microsurgical procedures. The proximal anastomosis group had a conception rate of 71% (50% live births, 30% spontaneous abortions, 6% ectopic pregnancies). The terminal salpingoneostomy group, which accounted for the largest number of procedures, had a conception rate of 47% (32% live births, 12% spontaneous abortions, 11% ectopic pregnancies). Even after microsurgical tubal reconstruction, most women do not achieve a live birth. Pregnancy outcome is probably related to several factors reflecting the severity of pre-existing intrinsic damage. Prognostic factors that may better predict pregnancy outcome are discussed.