Understanding the basics of laparoscopy
Laparoscopy is one type of minimally invasive procedure that allows our San Antonio fertility surgeons to visualize your reproductive organs. Not only can this procedure help diagnose fertility issues, it can also help a fertility surgeon treat barriers to conception.
How laparoscopy is performed
Our San Antonio fertility surgeons perform laparoscopy as an outpatient procedure. During this type of minimally invasive surgery, you will receive general anesthesia so that you will not be awake. The surgeon makes two to three small incisions and fills your abdomen with gas to get a better view of your internal organs. The physician will then insert a tool called a laparoscope, which is a thin tube with a video camera on the end, through your belly button.
Laparoscopy allows your surgeon to visualize your reproductive and pelvic organs and perform corrective procedures as necessary.
Treating fertility issues with laparoscopy
Our San Antonio fertility surgeons use laparoscopy to diagnose abnormalities in reproductive organs, including the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries, which may be preventing pregnancy.
Certain conditions can also be diagnosed and treated during laparoscopic surgery.
- Removal of adhesions caused by infection or previous surgery
- Treatment of fibroids, endometriosis and ovarian cysts
- Correction of blocked fallopian tubes
Recovering from laparoscopy
Most of the time, you can go home after the procedure, as long as the effects of anesthesia have worn off. You will need someone to drive you home from the surgery center. It is common to experience some mild pain when you wake up from surgery, but your surgeon can help manage the pain to keep you comfortable. It is not normal to experience heavy bleeding, fever or intense pain, so you should immediately report these symptoms to your doctor.
You can expect to feel tired for a few days after surgery. Most patients can return to work two to three days after surgery. You should avoid sexual intercourse, swimming and taking baths until your surgeon tells you otherwise.
Take advantage of the experience of our fertility surgeons
If you need to undergo laparoscopy, you should find an experienced fertility surgeon. Our San Antonio fertility surgeons, who are board certified in obstetrics & gynecology and reproductive endocrinology and infertility, perform a comprehensive suite of fertility surgical procedures and treatments. Their skill and experience in fertility surgery has helped patients make their dreams of parenthood come true.
Contact us to schedule an appointment and learn more about laparoscopy.