How does a laparoscopy work?

Laparoscopic surgery is an outpatient surgery, it is a minimally invasive surgery typically performed on the abdomen or pelvis with the assistance of a laparoscope (small video camera) which provides visuals for areas outside of the uterus such as fallopian tube, ovaries and the general pelvic region. Laparoscopic surgeries have very small incisions which lead to faster recovery times and less scarring. The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia. This type of surgery is used to both diagnose conditions and to perform infertility treatments.

Why is it done?

Laparoscopy may be done after initial infertility tests, which did not show the cause for the infertility. Laparoscopic surgery is used to remedy a variety of conditions that can make it hard for a woman to become pregnant including:

Endometriosis

This is a condition where the tissues lining the uterus start growing outside of the uterus on the ovaries, bowel, bladder and other areas of the pelvic region. This can cause physical discomfort, irregular bleeding and infertility. Endometriosis is typically diagnosed in women between the ages of 25 to 35. Laparoscopic surgery can be performed to help remove the tissues causing infertility.

Adhesions

Adhesions are scar-like fibrous bands that form between tissues and organs causing two parts of your body to bind together that should be separate. Usually adhesions are painless, however they can cause infertility when formed between ovaries, fallopian tubes, the uterus or pelvic walls. Adhesions can typically be removed through laparoscopic surgery.

Fibroids

A common occurrence, fibroids are non-cancerous tumors in the muscle cells of the uterus. Most fibroids are very small and don’t have any symptoms, but they can cause infertility if they block eggs or sperm from the fallopian tubes. Fibroids in the uterus can also make it harder for an embryo to develop. A laparoscopic myomectomy can remove fibroids.

Tubal Obstruction

Infertility can be caused by blocked fallopian tubes. The fallopian tubes may be blocked due to a number of reasons including scars from a pelvic infection, endometriosis, ectopic pregnancy, adhesions and more. Laparoscopic surgery can help unblock the fallopian tubes if necessary.

Ovarian cysts

Ovarian cysts are small fluid-filled sacs that develop in a woman’s ovaries. Most cysts are harmless, but some may cause problems such as rupturing, bleeding, or pain; and surgery may be required to remove the cyst(s). It is important to understand the function of the ovaries and how these cysts may form. Ovarian cysts affect women of all ages. The vast majority of ovarian cysts are considered functional. Most ovarian cysts are benign, meaning they are not cancerous, and many disappear on their own in a matter of weeks without treatment.

We know that every couple is unique, both in their needs and their desires, and we offer every couple that comes into the clinic a full and thorough consultation to assess exactly what they are hoping for.