Hydrosalpinx in remaining tube but surgery is not an option

[Nula1987]

Hi, I had a ruptured ectopic last aug and lost my right tube. I had a 9hr surgery with 6 consultants- bowel, urology, endo, oncology to remove endometriosis and re/implant my bladder/ kidney as the endo had destroyed my ureter. Because of this access to my left tube is difficult as my bladder, bowel and lots of nerves are now in front of it. When we started ivf in nov they found I had a moderate hydrosalpinx (3x2) and stopped my ivf treatment stating I needed my tube removed. My endo consultant rightly so won’t take the risk of organ damage to remove it and said to go ahead with ivf to see if it works.

Has anyone had success with ivf and hydrosalpinx and does anyone know of any other ways to clip my tube without a laparoscopy?

I’m at a loss. Have a fertility consult next week. Have 2 top quality embryos in the freezer so we’re planning a frozen transfer.

Any advice/ help would be much appreciated!

[LizzieBW]

Hi Nula,

I had a very similar issue and posted about it late last year (you'll see the responses were slim from anyone with success with a hydro & all suggested clipping the tube).

I also have my left ovary & tube completely engulfed by my bowel. The surgeon didn't realise this until he went in (last month). He said they usually clip the tube at a certain end but couldn't access this at all, would perforate my bowel so they managed to just about squeeze in & clip it at the opposite end. What I'm trying to say is I definitely understand your feelings, as we were also given the chance to continue with IVF and "see how it goes" with a hydrosalpinx present. However, it can reduce chance of success by up to 60% so for us, it was a no-brainer to attempt the surgery.

I know your post said surgery is not an option but I just wanted to stop by & share my experience. I was due to restart meds for IVF next week until my clinic shut again for Covid so no success story here...at least not yet 🤞

I hope your consultant can brainstorm to come up with a solution to help you out but from everything I learned & read, clipping the tube ultimately gives you the best chance of success. If you're not able to surgically treat the hydrosalpinx, it's not a 0% chance for IVF so completely your choice if you think it's worth it. Xx

[Nula1987 in reply to LizzieBW]

Thank you so so much for replying! Fingers crossed your clinic isn’t shut for too long!! We had our first cycle cancelled part way through in March which was upsetting.

My endo surgeon says to remove my tube they’d have to do a laparotomy again which is bigger than a laparoscopy and move all my organs again in which he feels is too risky seeing as all the work they have done is working really well. He said if it’s the only option he would do it but it could be another year recovery like my surgery in sept 19. I’m not sure I can cope with that all again. It’s so frustrating as nothing is simple and straight forward. I keep being told I’m the worst case they’ve seen and biggest surgery they’ve done for endo which is not helping my mood 😂 and hope for having a family.

Very annoying how I went from 2 healthy tubes to 1 unhealthy tube following the surgery for the ectopic.

Thanks so much for replying as I know this is a bit unique. X

[LizzieBW in reply to Nula1987]

Sorry, Nula. I actually edited the end of my response there before realising you'd replied. I added - if you can't treat the hydro, it's not a 0% chance of success for IVF, you'd just be going for it knowing that implantation failure & early miscarriage rates are higher with hydro present. Are you in a position to try for one transfer and see how it goes? Xx

[Nula1987 in reply to LizzieBW]

Thanks Lizzie! I think we might try one go and see how it goes if there’s nothing else the fertility consultant can suggest for the hydro. We still have 2 fresh rounds of ivf with the package we bought so can hopefully get some more embryos it’s just a bigger process but I’ll try anything. Not going to give up now 😊. X

[LizzieBW in reply to Nula1987]

Uch it's such a shi**y situation isn't it. I'm really sorry your surgery was and your endo is so complex. I felt like it was such a major set-back, being down to 1 ovary and knowing about the hydro. I had also accepted if I couldn't have surgery we would throw every bit of positivity & everything we could into 1 try and see where it got us.

That's brill you are in a position you can try for 1 transfer and see how it goes 🙂 & well done you for keeping your resilient mindset! Xx

[Nula1987 in reply to LizzieBW]

Yea it is isn’t it. Well done for getting through your surgery. I really hope it works for you 🤞🤞I’ve had some really bad days and definitely feel like I’ve had my share of crap now 🤣. As long as I’m taking steps forward I manage to stay positive but it does feel like the goal is getting further and further away. Xx

[LizzieBW in reply to Nula1987]

I feel like we have very similar mentality, just from your small description of how you've felt & how you cope. Thanks for the well wishes. Fingers crossed for us both 🙌 xx

[nilgunturhan]

Hello, Operation will be very risky. If the hydrosalpinx is not close to the womb (distal) and during endometrium preparation for thawed embryo if there is no fluid inside endometrium then hydrosalpinx can be ignored.

The other option is hysteroscopy. The ostium of the tubes can be closed by hysteroscopy.

[Nula1987 in reply to nilgunturhan]

Thank you for responding! I had an MRI due to query that my endo had returned and also scans so I’ll ask whether the fluid is close to the womb or not. 🤞it’s not. But will also ask about a hysterocopy. Food for thought thank you!

[nilgunturhan in reply to Nula1987]

Get well soon

[Sunset81]

Hi I have hydrosalpinx in both tubes which they can’t remove anyway including severe endometriosis I went through ivf and now have a beautiful 3 year old daughter so don’t ever give up hope xx

[Nula1987 in reply to Sunset81]

Thank you so much for sharing the wonderful news. You’ve given me hope!! Congratulations on having your daughter 😊xx