ENDOSCOPIC TRANSVAGINAL APPROACH TO THE RABBIT UTERINE CERVIX - IMPROVEMENT IN THE TECHNIQUE OF SELECTIVE TUBAL CATHETERIZATION

Rationale and Objectives. The authors compared two methods of selectiv e fallopian tube catheterization in female rabbits. Methods. Technical success rates and procedure times in two groups of animals were compa red. Group 1 consisted of 20 female rabbits catheterized with a fluoro scopic technique. Group 2 consisted of 55 rabbits catheterized with a combination of endoscopic and fluoroscopic guidance. Results. The tech nique used in group 2 allowed a statistically significant reduction in the time required for cervical catheterization and the total procedur al time (P < .01). There was a parallel statistically significant redu ction in fluoroscopy time (P < .01). Technical success rates and adver se effects were similar for the two techniques. Conclusion. The combin ed endoscopic-fluoroscopic technique requires a shorter time than the established fluoroscopic technique and should be considered for future selective tubal catheterization experiments in rabbits.