Infertility Laparoscopy: Procedure, Recovery, and Pregnancy

Infertility laparoscopy is a procedure that can be used for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.

"Laparoscopy is regarded the gold standard for identifying and resolving fertility problems," says Dr. Priti Arora Dhamija, Senior Gynecologist and Fertility Expert at Sitaram Bhartia Hospital in South Delhi.

Why is a laparoscopy performed in the case of infertility?

When you're having problems conceiving for any of the reasons listed below, a laparoscopic operation may be considered.

Symptoms

• Pelvic pain that isn't explained
  
• After intercourse, unexplained pain

Conditions

• Inflammation of the pelvis
  
• Adenomyoma \sAdhesions
• Cysts in the ovaries
• Endometriosis
• Fibroids

Hysterosalpingography revealed prior bilateral tubal obstruction (HSG)

The treatment enables your fertility specialist to examine the inside of your pelvis for any growths, adhesions, or scarred tissue that may have gone undetected by ultrasound.

"As long as the patient's prior agreement is obtained before the surgery, the process allows us to identify, analyse, and treat the condition that has been discovered."

How is infertility laparoscopy performed?

Two incisions will be made, one near your pubic area and the other below your belly button, by a fertility specialist. Surgical equipment will be introduced via one incision and a laparoscope, a long, thin instrument with a camera, will be inserted through the other incision.

With the use of a laparoscope, the fertility specialist will be able to examine your reproductive organs, such as the fallopian tubes and uterus, and detect any abnormalities.

"If you give your surgeon prior consent, he or she may treat the problem or remove the abnormal findings at the time they are discovered, saving you the time and pain of having to go through another treatment later," Dr. Priti explains.

Is infertility laparoscopy painful?

You won't feel any pain because the surgery is done under general anaesthetic. Infection near the incision or in the bladder, as well as the chance of adhesions forming after the treatment, are the few side effects linked with laparoscopy for infertility.

How can laparoscopy assist with infertility?

The advantages of laparoscopy for infertility are as follows:

• There are only a few minor incisions, making it a minimally invasive procedure.
• When compared to open surgery, there is a shorter recovery period.
• A shorter stay in the hospital
• There is less discomfort.

Despite its advantages, laparoscopy is ultimately surgery, and should be addressed thoroughly with your doctor. The projected recurrence of the condition or cause for the treatment should be described, and alternatives should be considered before the procedure is completed.

The recovery period for infertility laparoscopy varies depending on whether it is a diagnostic or surgical treatment. A diagnostic laparoscopy for infertility can take as little as 30 minutes, and you'll be out in a few hours.

"It's possible that you'll be advised to take a few days off."

You will be up and about the next day after a surgical procedure such as a laparoscopic myomectomy or cystectomy, although recovery may take 6 weeks to 3 months.

"The length of recuperation from a laparoscopic procedure is determined by the procedure's grade: grade 1 is for diagnostic purposes, grade 2 is for adhesion removal, grade 3 is for cyst removal, and grade 4 is for myomectomy." This is something you should address with your doctor."

In India, the cost of laparoscopy for infertility is determined by the type of surgery performed, the hospital's infrastructure, and the gynaecological surgeon's expertise and experience.

What should I do to get ready for a laparoscopy for infertility?

You will be told not to eat for 6-8 hours prior to the surgery. The medicine will be administered to you intravenously, and the treatment will be performed under general anaesthesia. Before surgery, make sure the anaesthetists are aware of any medical issues or anaesthetic sensitivities.

Is it possible to become pregnant following a laparoscopy?

Yes, women can conceive after undergoing a laparoscopy. The success rates for laparoscopy for infertility differ based on your age, and have been found to be higher in women under the age of 35.

How soon after a laparoscopy may you try to conceive?

To allow the stitches to heal following a surgical laparoscopy, it is recommended that you wait 3 to 6 months.

Pregnancy after Infertility Laparoscopy: A Success Story

Simran Kakkar, 35, came to Dr. Priti after a year of unsuccessful attempts to conceive. When medicinal treatment failed, the doctor recommended laparoscopy for infertility, especially as Simran did not want to delay conception any longer.

The operation discovered endometriosis, a disorder in which blood accumulates around the ovaries. Given the severity of the situation, the doctor proceeded to remove the damaged tissue.

Simran was recommended to wait at least three months before trying to conceive again. She didn't give up hope even though she was upset when she didn't become pregnant the first time she tried.

She became pregnant five months after surgery and gave birth to a healthy boy under the doctor's supervision.