Laparoscopy and hysteroscopy are two of the most common treatment procedures that you might have to undergo if you have any infertility problems.
If your doctor diagnoses any structural abnormalities in your reproductive system that cause infertility, they will suggest one of these surgeries to treat it.
In this article, we will look into the differences and overview of these two procedures, along with their benefits and risks. This can help you get a clear idea of what these procedures are and help you prepare better for them.
What Are The Differences Between Laparoscopy And Hysteroscopy?
Both these surgeries are similar in the way that they can help you diagnose and treat your infertility issues.
Below are some of the most common differences between laparoscopy and hysteroscopy.
| Laparoscopy | Hysteroscopy |
|---|---|
|
Performed to view the exterior of the uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, & ovaries. |
Performed to view the interior of the uterine cavity, fallopian tubes, cervix, and ovaries. |
|
Small incisions are made on the abdomen to insert the laparoscope inside. |
No incisions are required. It is a transvaginal procedure, more like a pap smear. |
|
Performed to diagnose and treat any abnormalities in the exterior of the reproductive organs. |
Performed to diagnose and treat abnormalities in the interior structures of the reproductive system. |
|
Helps diagnose and treat conditions like uterine fibroids, endometriosis, blocked fallopian tubes, ectopic pregnancies, etc. |
Helps diagnose and treat conditions like polyps, scarring, fibroids, abnormal uterine bleeding, congenital malformations, etc. |
|
Minor surgeries can be done as an outpatient procedure. Major surgeries might need hospitalization for a few days. |
It is often done as an outpatient procedure. |
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Carbon dioxide gas is pumped into your abdomen to better view and access the insides. |
A saline liquid or CO2 gas is let into the uterine cavity to expand it and better view the insides. |
Laparoscopy Procedure: How Is It Performed?
A laparoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure where your surgeon makes small incisions in your belly to operate on your body.
A thin, long tube with a camera is inserted into one incision. Surgical instruments are inserted into other incisions. With the camera as a guide, your surgeon will conduct the laparoscopic surgery.
Some surgeries that can be conducted laparoscopically are
- Appendectomy
- Cholecystectomy
- Hysterectomy
- Myomectomy
- Cystectomy
- Oophorectomy
- Salpingostomy and salpingectomy
- Herniorrhaphy
Hysteroscopy Procedure: How Is It Performed?
A hysteroscopy is majorly used to identify any issues with the internal structure of your reproductive system. Here, your doctor will insert a hysteroscope into your vagina.
A liquid or gas will be emitted through the hysteroscope to expand the uterus. This will give a better view of your internal system. Your surgeon will then view and diagnose any issues with your internal system. Hysteroscopy can also be used to treat the issue.
Some issues that can be diagnosed and treated through hysteroscopy are
- Repeated miscarriages
- Blocked fallopian tubes
- Irregular menstrual bleeding
- Removal of intrauterine adhesions, septate uterus, etc
- Myomectomy, polypectomy, etc.
Benefits Of Laparoscopic Surgery & Hysteroscopy Surgery
Both laparoscopy and hysteroscopy have their own merits. We need to understand which procedure will help us treat our condition better to choose which one to undergo.
Below are some of the major benefits of laparoscopy and hysteroscopy.
| Laparoscopy | Hysteroscopy |
|---|---|
|
A minimally invasive surgery that requires smaller incisions than most other open surgeries |
Requires no incisions at all |
|
Helps treat issues related to the abdominal or pelvic regions |
Help treat issues related to the interior of your reproductive organs |
|
Requires local anesthesia |
Most times, the procedure can be done without anesthesia |
|
Blood loss is often minimal in this procedure |
Little to no blood loss in this procedure |
|
Causes minimal pain, and the recovery is quick |
Mostly, it only causes discomfort and very little pain. Recovery is very quick |
|
Scarring is minimal due to small incisions |
No incisions are made. So there will be no scarring |
|
No need to be hospitalized unless it is a major surgery |
Most times, it is done as an outpatient procedure. No need for hospitalization. |
What Are The Risks Of Laparoscopy And Hysteroscopy?
Although both laparoscopy and hysteroscopy are good procedures and less complicated than most other procedures, there are certain risks associated with them. These risks are not for all women and will depend on each person’s body and health conditions.
| Laparoscopy | Hysteroscopy |
|---|---|
|
Discomfort in the peritoneal cavity after surgery |
Discomfort in the uterine cavity after surgery |
|
Risks of blood loss and scarring |
Possible scarring or wounding of the vaginal tract |
|
Possible injury to the abdominal wall during surgery |
Possible injury to the uterine wall during surgery |
|
Discomfort due to enlarged belly during surgery |
Discomfort due to the saline liquid or CO2 gas injected into the uterine cavity |
Most of these risks are minimal and will disappear in a few days. If you have any long-term issues, immediately visit your surgeon.
Conclusion
Both laparoscopy and hysteroscopy are excellent procedures that can help you diagnose your issues and treat them accordingly. Both these procedures are safe and effective in helping you overcome your infertility issues.
If you have any doubts regarding which procedure you should undergo for your specific ailment, consult your fertility doctor immediately. They can help you identify your issue and use the appropriate surgical method to overcome it.
Frequently asked questions
Both surgeries are effective procedures and can help you treat different kinds of ailments. To know which procedure will best suit your condition, consult a surgeon.
Both these surgeries are usually done separately. However, if any issue is found during one surgery that can be treated by the other surgical method, both surgeries can be done simultaneously to treat the problem.
In cases where you have any infertility or uterine problems like abnormal uterine bleeding, pelvic pain, repeated miscarriages, etc., your fertility doctor will recommend a hysteroscopy to diagnose the issue.
