Laparoscopy and Hysteroscopy At Denver Fertility Care
Laparoscopy and Hysteroscopy
Laparoscopy and hysteroscopy are two of the most common procedures we utilize to correct problems that cause infertility and miscarriage.
Laparoscopy
A laparoscopy involves one incision in the belly button and one to three others in the lower belly. These are a half-inch or less, which is much smaller than what’s required in an open surgery. A small camera is placed through one of these incisions. This allows visualization of the abdominal and pelvic cavities, the ovaries and fallopian tubes, and the outside of the uterus. The surgeon can then make surgical corrections to the pelvic structures that are damaged or abnormal.
Laparoscopy is a less-invasive procedure than open abdominal surgery and allows for a quicker recovery with a lower risk of scar tissue formation. Most patients go home the same day as the procedure and return to work a few days later.
Hysteroscopy
During an operative hysteroscopy, a small camera is inserted through the cervix and advanced into the uterine cavity with the patient asleep under general anesthesia. Like a laparoscope, the hysteroscope is an instrument somewhat like a miniature telescope with a fiber optic system, which brings light into the uterus. This procedure allows for direct views of the uterine cavity and permits the physician to surgically correct the abnormality.
Patients go home the same day as the procedure and can often return to work the next day.
Open Laparotomy
Although most infertility surgeries are performed using the minimally invasive techniques, sometimes laparoscopy or hysteroscopy will not be recommended. As such, your physician will recommend a larger abdominal incision, also known as an open laparotomy. The most common type of abdominal procedure performed by infertility specialists is an abdominal myomectomy, the removal of large uterine fibroids. Some patients may need one night of hospitalization, but several patients may go home after the procedure. Most patients return to work within 2-4 weeks.
