Fallopian Tube Catheterisation(TCTC)

 

There are many causes for blocking the fallopian tubes most common one is infection. Pelvic infection, vaginal discharge, endometriosis, adhesions, TB or even dried moisture and secretions inside the tube (similar to dried tears). The tubal canal size is about 1mm in diameter (like a dot) in the near portion of the tube near the uterus. The idea of this treatment came from treating angina patients (blocked coronary) in a similar way.

Before tubal catheterisation in 1997, patients had no real hope for conception except through IVF. We are one of the leading pioneers in the world in performing this operation.

Usually HSG (X-Ray) is performed first under local anaesthetic to confirm and determine the site of the blockage. We have called the operation TCTC which stands for TransCervical Tubal Catheterisation i.e. via the cervix (neck of the womb). TCTC is still the latest technique to unblock the fallopian tubes in suitable patients and performed under local anaesthetic as an outpatient procedure while the patient is watching on a monitor the progress of the operation. It is like internal examination. The catheter is passed through the tube and patient will feel like a stitch or tingling feeling on the side. The whole operation will take about 20-40 minutes. Success rate to clear the blockage is 80-90%. We are proud to be one of the few centres in the world offering this type of treatment since 1997. We have excellent experience in this procedure.

Obviously, you will need to have an initial medical consultation before we can book you for the treatment. All details will be explained to you and it is entirely up to you to make up your mind. We have kept the cost down to make it competitive to IVF. Just remember that once your tubes are cleared you can try for the pregnancy one month after another. It works cheaper than IVF and gives you more chances. There are some doctors do not know about this type of treatment. It was mentioned in The European Fertility Society meeting in that doctors should tell patients about available options of treatments including IVF and Catheterisation. Patients have the right to choose and decide.

We had many patients who had failed IVF in the past but came for tubal catheterization, some had success after the catheterization. The pregnancy rate after the catheterization is 23-49% with an average of 33% in the first year which matches the highest results for the best IVF centre in .

If you need us to help you with your infertility management after the catheterisation.