Thursday, 1 January 2026

Delayed Peritoneal Spill (HSG)

Delayed Peritoneal Spill – Hysterosalpingography

HSG

Delayed spill indicates partial or slow passage of contrast into the peritoneal cavity. On hysterosalpingography (HSG), the fallopian tubes opacify completely, but free peritoneal spill occurs only after a delay, suggesting transient obstruction or partial distal tubal narrowing.

Delayed Spill HSG
Fig-1
Fig. 1—Hysterosalpingogram showing delayed peritoneal spill. Both fallopian tubes opacify normally, but contrast reaches the peritoneal cavity only after a short delay (arrows).

Findings: Uterine cavity is normal. Tubes demonstrate smooth outlines, and delayed peritoneal spill suggests partial distal obstruction, mild peritubal adhesions, or transient tubal spasm.

Conclusion: HSG findings are consistent with delayed peritoneal spill, indicating partial tubal patency.

Patient Symptoms

Patients may present with infertility or history of mild pelvic inflammatory disease. Symptoms are often subtle in cases of transient obstruction.

Procedure (Hysterosalpingography)

HSG is performed during the early proliferative phase. Gentle injection is recommended to avoid tubal spasm or false-positive obstruction.

Contrast Medium & Administration

A water-soluble iodinated contrast medium such as Iohexol or Iopamidol (300–350 mg iodine/mL) is used. 5–8 mL is injected slowly in the lithotomy position under fluoroscopic guidance.

Instruments Used

  • Sterile vaginal speculum (Cusco’s or Sims’)
  • Leech–Wilkinson cannula
  • Rubin cannula
  • Balloon HSG catheter
  • 10–20 mL sterile Luer-lock syringe
  • Sterile connecting tubing
  • Antiseptic solution
  • Fluoroscopy unit

Safety Considerations

Avoid high injection pressure to prevent tubal spasm or rupture. Active pelvic infection is a contraindication.

Related Conditions

Delayed spill helps differentiate partial distal obstruction or mild peritubal adhesions from complete tubal blockage. Clinical correlation and follow-up imaging may be required.


Declaration

This case is presented for academic and educational purposes only. Patient confidentiality has been preserved.

No comments:

Post a Comment

Ultrasound template- Vascular Trauma / Pseudoaneurysm Study

Fetal Ultrasound Templates LOWER LIMB ULTRASOUND TEMPLATES 📝 Lower Limb – Soft Tissue Study 📝 Hip Joint Ultras...