Laparoscopic Surgery for Infertility Treatment: How It Works?
Understanding Laparoscopy
Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive technique. It involves the insertion of a camera and surgical instruments through small incisions. This helps surgeons see your internal organs and find any problems that could affect fertility. This surgery is also called the Keyhole surgery. The surgeons perform this keyhole surgery while you are completely asleep under general anaesthesia.
What is the Procedure of Laparoscopy?
The laparoscopy procedure begins with general anaesthesia. That means you will be completely asleep. First, a small cut is made near your belly button. A thin tube is then inserted through this cut to fill your abdomen with gas. This gas creates more space inside your belly. This makes it easier for the surgeon to see and move around. The pressure of this gas (called insufflation pressure) is carefully controlled to prevent any complications.
Next, a laparoscope is inserted through the same incision. It is a long, thin tube with a camera on the end. The surgeon uses this camera to get a clear view of your pelvic cavity. If needed, additional small incisions may be made to insert other surgical instruments.
The entire surgical procedure typically lasts anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes. It basically depends on the specific purpose of performing the laparoscopy.
Once the examination and any necessary treatments are complete, the surgeon removes the instruments. The small incisions are either stitched closed or covered with bandages. And most patients are able to return home on the same day.
Treatment of Infertility
Laparoscopy is frequently used to help with infertility, which is when a couple cannot conceive. This procedure can help fix problems like ovarian cysts (sacs of fluid on the ovaries). It helps with fibroids, which are non-cancerous growths in the uterus. This procedure also treats blocked fallopian tubes (tubes that carry eggs from the ovaries to the womb).
Laparoscopy allows surgeons to see these issues and treat them directly. It is also helpful because it checks if the fallopian tubes are open. This is called “tubal patency” (openness and functionality of the fallopian tubes). It can even find uterine (womb) abnormalities that do not show up on imaging tests.
Laparoscopy For Infertility
When doctors recommend laparoscopy for infertility, the goal is both diagnosis and treatment. It allows surgical interventions to address hidden issues. One example is pelvic adhesions (these are bands of scar tissue that stick different organs together). This kind of problem might be preventing pregnancy.
Doctors do not opt for laparoscopy for fallopian tubes as the first treatment. However, it becomes very important when other fertility tests do not give clear answers. So, it is crucial as it restores the tubal function (function of the fallopian tubes).
The success rates of laparoscopic procedures for infertility can vary. They depend on factors like your age and the specific condition being treated. However, it often improves the chances of conception naturally or with assisted methods.
Let us answer the question “What is the use of laparoscopy for infertility?” in simple words. It is performed to discover and correct hidden problems that regular tests might miss.
What are the Benefits of Laparoscopy?
Laparoscopic surgery offers many advantages over traditional open surgeries for pregnancy-related issues. You will experience less pain, and your recovery will be faster. You also spend less time in the hospital.
The small incisions result in minimal scarring. Patients usually resume normal activities quickly. Laparoscopic procedures reduce the risk of infections after surgery. They also lessen blood loss.
Doctors also prefer it when they need to quickly check surgical conditions. In some cases, fertility specialists perform laparoscopic surgery for pregnancy. They do it only when the benefits of finding the problem are greater than the risks. This focused method helps avoid unnecessary steps. It also helps doctors make better decisions.
What are the Risks Involved With Laparoscopy?
Like all surgeries, laparoscopy carries some possible downsides. There are certain risks of laparoscopy. You might experience infection, bleeding, or injury to organs. You could also have an allergic reaction to the anaesthesia. In rare cases, side effects of laparoscopic surgery may come from the gas used. There can also be issues from improper healing of the incision sites.
Conclusion
Laparoscopy offers a safe and effective route for diagnosing and treating infertility. The recovery is usually quick, but you may notice some side effects. Shoulder pain is common because of the gas used during surgery. Some people have light vaginal bleeding or delayed bowel movements. Green urine can happen if dye is used to check the fallopian tubes. These effects are normal and will go away soon. Follow your doctor’s advice to heal safely and comfortably.