[Medical Q&A] What is hydrosalpinx?

Author: Li He, deputy chief physician, Shanghai Ji'ai Genetics and Infertility Diagnosis and Treatment Center, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University

Reviewer: Fu Jing, Chief Physician, Shanghai Ji'ai Genetics and Infertility Diagnosis and Treatment Center, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University

Hydrosalpinx is a gynecological disease caused by chronic pelvic inflammation, with fallopian tube obstruction, thickening, and fluid exudation as the main pathological manifestations.

Many infertile women have inflammations such as pelvic inflammatory disease and adnexitis. If these inflammations are not diagnosed or treated promptly and correctly, they may lead to sequelae of inflammatory diseases - chronic inflammation. At this time, the pelvic cavity is like a huge stew pot. The places affected by the inflammation are like flames simmering, causing various forms of damage to the organs and tissues in the pelvic cavity, leading to tissue destruction, extensive adhesions, hyperplasia and scar formation. If the fallopian tubes are affected, it may cause blockage and thickening of the fallopian tubes. If the end of the fallopian tube is adhered and closed, the serous exudate caused by inflammation in the lumen will gather to form hydrosalpinx.

Hydrosalpinx can affect pregnancy and is one of the main causes of female infertility.