Hysterosalpingographic Indications and Findings among Women Presenting to Radiology Department of Rivers State University Teaching Hospital

Abstract

Background: Hysterosalpingography (HSG) is one of the imaging modality used in evaluating females presenting with complaints of infertility. Infertility is not just the issue of the couples alone both the extended family is involved in the typical African environment, therefore it is essential to identify possible causes and proffer solutions where possible. Aim: This study is aimed at documenting the indications and findings among women presenting for hysterosalpingographic studies in the Radiology Department of Rivers State University teaching Hospital (RSUTH). Setting and Design: A retrospective study, was conducted at the Radiology and the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Departments of a tertiary hospital. Materials and Methods: Assessment of patients who had Hysterosalpingography (HSG) done from 1st January, 2020 to 31st May, 2022 in the Radiology Department of RSUTH. Biodata and indications for the study were obtained from the request forms and the HSG findings were also obtained from results pool. Statistical Analysis: Data were analyzed using SPSS 21.0 version. The level of statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results: A total of 305 women data were analyzed. The age of the study group was between 21 to 48years with a mean age of 35.21±5.48years. Majority of the age group was 31-35years (n=96, 31.5%). Secondary infertility (n=216, 70.8%) was the most common indication for HSG. Normal HSG was seen in 84(27.5%) of the patients and others had one pathology or the other. Commonest uterine pathology is uterine fibroids (n=100, 32.8%) and bilateral tubal occlusion (n=47, 20.8%) is the most frequent tubal pathology. There was a significant association between age and tubal occlusion (P=0.007). Conclusion: HSG is still a valuable tool for investigating women in gynaecological clinics. Tubal occlusion is the prevailing pathology from this study and secondary infertility is the most common indication for HSG.