Laparoscopy
The laparoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that is also used to treat many conditions causing infertility. It is an outpatient surgery performed at the hospital under general anesthesia.
The physician makes two small incisions in the abdomen, one at the belly button and one above the pubic bone. The laparoscope resembles a small telescope and allows the physician to view the inside of the pelvic cavity. The scope is inserted through one of the incisions while “miniaturized” operating tools are inserted through the other. The abdomen is filled with gas causing it to expand which makes the operating area visible and the organs more accessible.
The physician can see the ovaries, tubes, uterus, and other internal structures allowing him/her to identify any disease processes. If conditions such as endometriosis are present, they can often be treated surgically at the time of the diagnostic laparoscopy. This is why it is extremely important for a reproductive surgeon to perform the laparoscopic evaluation for infertility.
These surgeons have years of advanced training and experience in laparoscopic surgery. When conditions can be surgically treated during the diagnostic laparoscopy it eliminates the need for a second procedure. Multiple procedures are associated with an increased chance of complications such as scarring and adhesions.
Reproductive endocrinologists perform most surgeries using the laparoscope including delicate procedures such as tubal surgery. This greatly reduces potential surgical complications, shortens recovery time, and reduces pain. There is usually no noticeable scarring from the laparoscopy.