Laparoscopy and advanced infertility specialist training in microsurgery have literally transformed the way many gynecologic and other surgical procedures are performed. Major surgeries which once required large incisions, a several night hospital stay, and caused significant pain can now be performed on an outpatient basis. The laparoscopy is usually accompanied by only minor discomfort.
The laparoscope can be indispensable to the fertility evaluation because it allows the fertility specialist to view the reproductive organs. Many conditions such as endometriosis or pelvic adhesions can be treated during the laparoscopy. This is the main reason the laparoscopy for infertility should be performed by a skilled reproductive surgeon, fertility specialist.
Fertility specialists undergo years of advanced training including experience performing delicate microsurgical procedures. All gynecologic surgeries for fertility should be performed with extreme care to minimize the possibility of scarring. These surgeries are often best performed by someone with advanced specialty fertility training such as a member of the Society of Reproductive Surgeons (SRS).
Laparoscopy requires two (and sometimes three or four) small openings in the body be created, one at the pubic hair line, (possible one in the right or left lower abdomen) and one at the belly button (umbilicus). The laparoscope is a “telescope like device” that is inserted through the umbilicus and the operative tools are manipulated through the other openings. The abdomen is usually distended with carbon dioxide gas to facilitate visualization of the internal organs. Blocked tubes as well as other abnormalities such as endometriosis can be seen.
