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Selective Salpingography HF#6278



Your doctor has scheduled a selective salpingography to be done by our radiologist on __________________ at ________.  Please report to G3/3 Radiology desk by taking the Atrium elevators to the 3rd floor.

 

Before the procedure, our doctors will explain what will happen, answer any questions, and ask you to sign a consent form.

 

What is a Selective Salpingography?

 

This procedure opens the fallopian tubes by placing a very narrow, flexible tube through the vagina into the corner of the uterus.  Dye is injected to relieve the blockage or a small wire can be used to open the tubes.  A salpingography is done using fluoroscopy to see the deep body structures.  The x-rays appear on a TV screen.

 

Before the Procedure

 

  • Start taking the prescribed antibiotic 2 days in advance.
  • Stop eating 6 hours before and drinking 2 hours ahead of time.
  • Take ibuprofen 600-800mg by mouth with sips of water 30-60 minutes before the procedure.  You should take your prescribed oral medicines and the antibiotics.
  • If you have diabetes, please call your doctor to discuss how much diabetes medicine you should take before this procedure.  Test your blood sugar more often when you can’t eat.  If your blood sugar level is low (less than 70mg/dl) or you have symptoms of a low blood sugar, eat some glucose tablets or drink 4 ounces of a clear liquid that contains sugar (apple juice, 7-Up®).  Always recheck your blood sugar to make sure it stays above 70.  We may still be able to do the procedure unless you need to eat solid food.  If the blood sugar ever gets too high or too low and you can’t bring it back to normal, call your primary care or diabetes doctor.
  • Tell the scheduler if you are allergic to latex, contrast dye, or any medicines.
  • Plan to have someone drive you home after the procedure.  If sedation was used, you should not drive or make important personal or business decisons until the next day. You will be here 3 or 4 hours.

 

During the Procedure

 

  • Be sure to tell the radiologist if you are allergic to latex, contrast dye, antibiotics, anesthetic agents, or any other medicines.
  • An IV (intravenous) catheter will be started to give you fluids.  Medicine is also given to increase your comfort.
  • The nurse will check your pulse and blood pressure often, and give you pain medicine as needed.

 

After the Procedure

 

  • You will need to stay in bed for one to two hours.  During this time, you will have your pulse and blood pressure checked by a nurse.  The nurse will look for excess vaginal bleeding.
  • You will not be able to eat or drink anything for one hour.  After that, you may resume your normal diet.
  • No pain medicines are prescribed.  If you are having any pain, we suggest using ibuprofen every 6 hours.  The pain should go away within the first 24 hours.
  • You should keep taking the antibiotic as prescribed.

 

Your Care at Home

 

  • You may eat or drink what you like once you arrive home.  Do not drink any alcohol for the first 24 hours.
  • Rest and take it easy for the first 24 hours.  Resume your normal routine after 24 hours.
  • You may have spotting and cramping for 1-2 days.  This is normal.

 

When to Call the Doctor

 

  • You have bleeding which soaks more than 1 pad per hour.
  • You have a fever greater than 100.4º F or 38º C.  If you are not feeling well, take your temperature by mouth.

 

Phone Numbers

 

If you have questions or problems once you are home, call the Department of Radiology, Monday through Friday, 7:30-4:30, at (608) 263-9729.

 

Evenings and weekends, call the paging operator at (608) 262-0486.  Ask for the Radiologist on call.  Give your name and phone number with the area code to the paging operator.  The doctor will call you back.

 

If you live out of the area, please call 1-800-323-8942.

 



The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Last Updated: 03/12/2013

Copyright © 07/30/2010 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#6278

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