Laparoscopy helps women overcome fertility challenges
Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that the doctors at our Tennessee fertility clinic use to determine why a woman is not developing a healthy pregnancy. This type of surgical evaluation of infertility is especially beneficial for assessing endometriosis, scar tissue and fibroids. Our doctors can also use it to repair blocked fallopian tubes.
How laparoscopy can help patients welcome a baby
Often, this procedure provides valuable insights into a woman’s fertility challenges. During this surgical evaluation of fertility, the doctor can carefully examine a woman’s uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes, which can lead to information that ultrasounds and bloodwork may not reveal. The procedure also offers additional benefits.
This procedure can result in the right diagnosis. Women experiencing painful periods or intercourse, or unexplained infertility often receive the correct infertility diagnosis after this procedure.
It’s also a form of treatment. In addition to being a helpful diagnostic tool, this procedure allows the fertility specialist to correct some issues that can result from ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, blocked fallopian tubes and pelvic adhesions.
Minimal discomfort. As laparoscopy only involves a few small incisions, there is little scarring and discomfort. Because of this, the woman often requires minimal amounts of pain medication.
Small instruments reduce risk. The thin telescope and other instruments that our doctors use for this procedure lower the risk of tissue damage and blood loss.
Brief recovery time. Patients typically only need two to three days of recovery time after this surgical evaluation of infertility.
The doctors at our Tennessee fertility clinic help women determine whether this procedure is the best option for their unique fertility needs.
What to expect
To prepare, the patient meets with their doctor to ask questions. On the day of the procedure, the patient receives general anesthesia before the doctor passes a thin tube, called a cannula, through an incision in the belly button. They then inflate the abdomen with carbon dioxide to enhance visibility.
The next step of laparoscopy involves the doctor passing a small telescope through the incision. This telescope sends images to a video monitor, so the doctor can view the woman’s reproductive organs. A biopsy and certain repairs can also be made during this time. After removing the telescope, the doctor closes the incision with stitches or surgical tape.
As part of recovery, the patient has a post-operative visit at our Tennessee fertility clinic where the doctor shares the results and helps them plan for the next steps. Our goal is to help the patient select a customized treatment plan that gives them the best chance of having a healthy baby.
Contact us for more information about our fertility treatments.
