The last decade has seen significant advances in the study of tubal physiology using novel methods, and our understanding of the involvement of Fallopian tubes in the development of ovarian cancer has changed fundamentally. At the same time success rates of IVF have improved significantly, with the aid of better understanding of tubal function. This volume will present a fully comprehensive update of Fallopian tube physiology and provide a practical guide to the clinical aspects related to them. The first part of the book will consist of chapters on basic science of the Fallopian tubes, which will explain how specific aspects relate to infertility and contraception. In the second half, assessment of tubal function, conditions that compromise tubal function, surgical and non-surgical management approaches to various types of tubal pathology, fertility control (contraception) and future aspects of tubal research will be covered in chapters written by world-renowned experts in these fields. Fallopian Tube: Physiology and Clinical Aspects will be of tremendous interest and utility to both basic scientists and clinicians who are involved in the management of infertility and contraception.

The examination of the human fallopian tubes was, until recently, restricted to observations on gross anatomical disposition and tubal patency. These studies, for decades, were the domain of doctors and physiologists whose primary interest was population control and family planning, funded largely by organisations and agencies seek ing alternatives to steroidal contraceptives. For a "worrying" but short period after the birth of Louise Brown in 1978 as the conse quence of successful in-vitro fertilisation and embryo transfer, the fallopian tube was considered to be "dispensable" given that the metabolic milieu in which human fertilisation takes place could be effortlessly reproduced in a Petri dish, in in-vitro fertilisation procedures. However, a number of factors have acted together to renew in terest in the fallopian tube, namely new techniques in cell biology, microinstrument developments (in particular in imaging), an inter disciplinary transfer of skills from interventional radiology and car diology to gynaecology, the surgeon's wish to improve surgical tech niques, and better techniques to monitor early pregnancy. These factors have led surgeons to develop the new diagnostic and ther apeutic strategies and techniques listed here. This volume contains contributions from the majority of keynote speakers at a conference held in London in April 1992 from which its title is derived. Better diagnostic procedures should lead to the implementation of rational effective treatments.