• When other tests cannot find the underlying cause of infertility, the doctor needs to look directly into patient’s reproductive organs.
• Once patient completes all the basic infertility evaluation, doctor may suggest to undergo laparoscopy.
• It is a diagnostic as well as a therapeutic surgical procedure.
• Laparoscopy is advised to diagnose and treat infertility problems.

What is Laparoscopy?

• Laparoscopy is a surgical and diagnostic procedure to check a woman’s reproductive system.
• A laparoscope is inserted into the abdomen through a small incision. The laparoscope has a high-resolution camera at the front, which sends images to a video monitor.
• A surgeon can visualize uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries to determine the causes of infertility.
• Laparoscopy is less painful and needs minimal incision. With fast recovery, it requires a short hospital stay. It helps in both the diagnosis and treatment of infertility issues.
• It is also called keyhole surgery or Band-Aid surgery.

Laparoscopy for Infertility

• Laparoscopy for infertility is generally advised when women have unexplained infertility, that is when all other fertility test results are normal.
• Laparoscopy can help the doctor to determine the underlying cause of infertility, such as:
  • Blocked fallopian tubes, Hydro salpinx
  • Scar tissue build-up, Adhesions
  • Endometriosis
  • Fibroid, Ovarian cyst
  • Other anatomical abnormalities of the reproductive system
• Using laparoscopy doctors not only diagnose but also remove the underlying anomaly causing infertility, giving a chance for natural conception.
• In case of any suspicious growth, a biopsy can be taken during laparoscopy.
• Laparoscopy can be used to remove scar tissue or a fibroid and treat conditions like endometriosis or hydrosalpinx.
• Laparoscopy, by helping in the diagnosis and treatment of these problems increases the chances of pregnancy.

Treatment of endometriosis –

• In endometriosis, endometrial tissue grows outside the uterine cavity instead of lining it.
• This causes severe pain, heavy menstrual bleeding and also infertility.
• Endometriosis causes inflammation of fallopian tubes, scarring, or even blockage.
• Laparoscopy can resolve this issue by removing the lesion caused by endometriosis.

Ovarian cystectomy –

• These are the fluid-filled sacs that sometimes cause extreme pain and discomfort.
• When removal of the cyst is needed, laparoscopy is the best option.

Myomectomy –

• It is the removal of fibroids from the uterus.
• These fibroids cause pelvic pain, heavy menstruation, and distortion of uterine cavity making it difficult to conceive.
• Myomectomy can be done successfully by laparoscopy with minimal incision.

Lysis of uterine adhesions –

• It is a procedure of removal of adhesions from the uterus.
• Laparoscopic adhesionolysis reduces the risk of any future adhesions, thus increases the chances of fertility.
• Laparoscopic surgery is an excellent option for women facing infertility issues.
• laparoscopy avoids large open wounds and has faster recovery.

• Laparoscopy is a simple procedure performed under general anesthesia.
• After giving a general anesthesia surgeon will insert a laparoscope into the abdomen to inject gas that dilates distened abdomen.
• This makes it easier to view all the organs and structures and the doctor will examine the structures.
• The  further steps depend on the diagnosis. If there is an anomaly that needs surgery, a third incision is made to perform surgery.
• After completion of the procedure surgeon will remove the instruments and stitch the incision areas.
• Patient will be kept under observation for a few hours and will be sent home.
• Slight pain and discomfort will be seen after surgery.
• Patient may also experience pain in the shoulders and abdomen as the injected gas starts to absorb.

Side effects:

• 1% to 2% of women may develop postoperative complications such as:
  • bladder infection
  • adhesions
  • infection of the incision site
  • hematomas in the abdominal wall.
  • Report to doctor during any such side effects.

Recovery –

• Post-surgery, patient will be under observation to see if there are any complications.
• Depending on your physical condition, you will be sent home after a day.
• When compared to other traditional surgeries, the recovery time of laparoscopy is much shorter.
• Patient will be given medication to relieve pain and also Antibiotic to prevent post-operative infection. Patient can begin normal activities within 2to3 days.
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Note:

• laparoscopy is a great tool that can treat many gynecological problems, including infertility.
• Laparoscopy is useful in evaluating and treating the causes of infertility.
• Laparoscopy may helpful to increase the chances of Conception.