IVF Spring > Fertility Test & Techniques > Laparoscopy for Infertility
Laparoscopy for Infertility
Laparoscopy is the name given to a surgical procedure that enables a doctor to see the inside of an abdomen as well as its lowest parts that contain the uterus, ovaries, Fallopian tubes (pelvis of a woman). This procedure helps the doctor to see if any abnormalities are present in the form of uterine fibroids, adhesions in the pelvic area, endometriosis or ovarian cysts. These are some of the usual causes of infertility in a woman (the inability to conceive).
Advantages of Laparoscopy for Infertility
Laparoscopy helps to diagnose a number of conditions that are likely to cause infertility in women. Endometriosis is one. The doctor does not only get to see the inside of the organs but is also able to perform a biopsy of the tissue/cyst concerned. It helps to treat specific causes of infertility which thereby increase a woman’s chance of conception either naturally or with the aid of other fertility treatments.
Laparoscopy surgery also helps to identify adhesions in the pelvic area. Adhesion is the name given to scar tissues and such adhesions are not generally visible through other diagnostic methods such as x-rays, ultrasound scans or CT scans. Adhesions interfere during conception in that they make it very difficult for the egg to move into the Fallopian tubes during the time of fertilization. Laparoscopic diagnosis is also seen to be very helpful in removing the pelvic pain that is caused by fibroids, scar tissues or endometrial deposits.
Infertility and laparoscopy – Who are the candidates?
Laparoscopy can be recommended as a diagnostic or corrective procedure for those couples that have already had some basic evaluations for infertility such as semen analysis for men, and ovulation assessment, egg reserve, hysterosalpingogram (HSG), and ultrasound in the case of women. At this stage, some couples may decide to forgo laparoscopy in favor of other fertility treatments such as IVF, IUI or superovulation using certain fertility medications. In some cases, such as those patients who have had very bad pelvic infections or others who have had a ruptured appendix, the doctor may recommend laparoscopy as there are higher chances of finding pelvic adhesions.
Procedure for Laparoscopy Surgery
As the first step, the abdomen is cleansed and draped appropriately for the surgical procedure. Thereafter, an instrument is placed in the uterus via the vagina. Carbon dioxide or nitrous oxide is then made to flow into the abdomen from just below the navel. This helps to push the abdominal wall and the bowels away from the pelvic organs and to enable the doctor to see these organs clearly. The thin and slender laparoscope is then inserted through a small incision made just below the belly button. This procedure also requires a second incision to allow entry of a smaller probe that will help to move the pelvic organs in order to get a clearer view. A laparoscopic procedure will, therefore, have two incisions to help the doctor visualize all the concerned organs clearly.
During the laparoscopy surgery, all the organs in the pelvis are inspected thoroughly: uterus, ovaries and the peritoneum (the abdominal wall). Other signs that the doctor looks for are endometriosis, adhesions, and tubercles. In case of abnormalities, the doctor attempts to correct them surgically or perform a biopsy and takes out samples of the affected tissues for further histological examination. A blue dye (methylene blue) that is injected through the uterus into the Fallopian tubes helps the doctor to determine if the tubes are open and will facilitate fertilization. Once the surgical procedure is complete, the gas tube is taken out and the skin is sutured to close the two small openings. If the openings are very small, then Band-Aids (not sutures) are used to close them.
Laparoscopy Surgery: Precautions
The patient should not eat or drink anything for a few hours before the surgical procedure. Tests that are performed before the surgery include safety for the anesthesia. Most young and healthy women need not undergo many of these tests. An HSG may also be done before the surgery. The laparoscopy surgery is done on an outpatient basis. The patient is administered general anesthesia so that no discomfort is felt during the procedure.
Why Choose IVF Spring?
Patients are always a priority at IVF Spring. The diagnosis and treatment that we provide are therefore the best options that you can get. This has been made possible by our team of expert and experienced infertility specialists, advanced technologies that we use and top of the line equipment that has been installed in our clinic. Laparoscopy procedures are done by expert medical specialists so that recovery time is short. The patient’s progress to normalcy is followed up even after they leave the clinic. Call us today for any concerns that you have or clarifications that you may need.