Surgical Fertility Treatments
Surgical Fertility Treatments
Our fertility specialists, at times, utilize either surgical and non-surgical fertility treatments. Fertility surgery can be performed to correct anatomical deformities that could be hindering your ability to conceive. Non-surgical fertility treatments, however, utilize fertility medications to treat cases of infertility that are caused by hormone imbalances or other biochemical abnormalities.
Could Surgery Help My Infertility?
Our fertility specialists will walk you through all of the details to help you determine whether surgical or non-surgical infertility treatments would be the right choice for you. It is critical to begin with an accurate diagnosis. A consultation with your personal fertility specialist will help determine if surgery is right for you.
Why is Dr. Ghadir at the Peak of Surgical Fertility Treatments?
Dr. Ghadir has extensive knowledge and experience in both surgical and micro-surgical procedures that can be used to correct infertility conditions. Our specialists utilize minimally invasive techniques whenever we can.
We specifically designed and built our in-office surgical center for fertility procedures and fully equipped the center with the latest, most advanced technologies. Our surgical center staff has profound experience and knowledge to support the use of these technologies.
Which Conditions Require Surgery?
Common cases in women where surgery is necessary include endometrial polyps, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, and pelvic adhesions. Through surgery, our specialists are able to remove or improve these conditions.
In men, common surgical procedures include vasectomy reversals and varicocele repairs for varicose veins and TESE procedures for sperm retrieval.
Whatever the case may be, our fertility specialists offer a range of modern and advanced procedures to provide a solution for every situation.
Laparoscopy for Diagnosis and Treatment of Tubal Factor Infertility
Any patient with risk factors of tubal disease can consider laparoscopy to diagnose and potentially treat tubal disease. Risk factors for tubal disease can include: pelvic inflammatory disease, a history of sexually transmitted infectious, prior pelvic surgeries, or a prior appendectomy.
Laparoscopy utilizes a very small fiber-optic lens that is inserted through a small incision at the navel. This allows doctors to view any anatomic abnormalities, while being minimally invasive. Additional small incisions may be necessary if other surgical instruments are needed during the procedure. Laparoscopy has become an irreplaceable component of infertility treatment, as it allows doctors to view any abnormalities as well as perform any necessary measures to treat them.
Unfortunately, reversal of a prior tubal ligation is not a simple or easy procedure, and is typically not recommended in our practice.
How is Laparoscopy Performed?
For a laparoscopic procedure, your doctor will:
- Administer a General Anesthetic (from an anesthesiologist)
- Through a small navel incision, the laparoscope is inserted. A laparoscope is a bright, lighted fiber optic tube. Additional surgical instruments are also inserted, if necessary.
- The abdomen is filled with carbon dioxide gas. This expands the abdominal cavity, allowing the doctor to clearly view the reproductive organs.
- The outside of the uterus and Fallopian tubes are evaluated for abnormalities.
- Laparoscopy is performed during the early period of the menstrual cycle, in order to avoid any disruption of an early pregnancy.
Laparoscopy is Useful for Diagnosis and Treatment (Removal) of:
- Endometriosis lesions
- Ovarian cysts
- Uterine Fibroids
- Tubal Adhesions
- Hydosalpinx
Advantages of Laparoscopy over Laparotomy (Traditional Abdominal Surgery):
- Several abdominal and pelvic abnormalities can be safely treated with laparoscopy.
- The surgeon is able to incise, biopsy, cauterize, or vaporize any problem areas with the use of special laparoscopic instruments. This eliminates the need for large abdominal incisions.
- Patients that undergo laparoscopy are usually able to return to normal activity following two to three days of recovery, as there is less discomfort and pain with smaller incisions.
What is Hysteroscopy?
Hysteroscopy is a procedure that allows doctors to view the uterine cavity and perform any necessary biopsies or corrections, by the use of the MYOSURE Hysteroscopic device. While this procedure is not a laparoscopy (which requires abdominal incisions), it may be done in combination with a laparoscopy. During a hysteroscopy, doctors will gently dilate the canal of the cervix so that a hysteroscope (camera lens) may be inserted directly into the uterine cavity. Hysteroscopy gives doctors a clear and direct view of the cavity, and allows for treatment of abnormalities. This could include polyps, fibroids, and projections on the uterine wall. Once the abnormalities have been visualized, the MYOSURE device is inserted and the unwanted tissue is removed by cutting and suctioning.