Waiting for years, couples long for another member of the family, a child, but infertility proves to be a barrier in the way. Medical advancements with an upgrading of technology have provided a ray of hope through different fertility treatments and doctors who are experts in providing such treatments.
Of those treatments, laparoscopy is another art of minimally invasive surgery that helps diagnose and treat conditions that lead to infertility.
Let’s explore how laparoscopy treats infertility and paves the way for motherhood.
What is Laparoscopy in Infertility?
Through laparoscopy, a doctor can insert a small camera (laparoscope) through a tiny incision in the abdomen and examine the reproductive organs.
It allows the doctors to diagnose and treat various conditions that affect fertility. It can be blocked fallopian tubes, endometriosis, adhesions, and fibroids. Let us know about this process in detail in the following.
Why is Laparoscopy Done in Infertility Cases?
Laparoscopy is done in infertility cases for several purposes, such as:
- For diagnostic purposes, identifying the exact reason for infertility.
- For therapeutic needs, treating the conditions that affect conception.
- In case of specific indications, like unexplained infertility, pelvic pain, and suspected tubal diseases (symptoms of blocked or damaged fallopian tubes).
- Plus, assess structural issues like evaluation of uterine or ovarian abnormalities.
How Does Laparoscopy Help in Female Infertility?
Infertility is indeed worrisome news for both men and women. However, laparoscopy can effectively help to identify the reason for infertility in women by providing a clear view of the reproductive organs.
Here is a table that gives you a list of female infertility conditions that laparoscopy can diagnose.
| Infertility Condition | Description |
|---|---|
|
Endometriosis
|
Presence of uterine-like tissue outside the uterus causing pain and adhesions. |
|
Pelvic Adhesions
|
Scar tissue binds pelvic organs, often due to infections or surgeries. |
|
Blocked Fallopian Tubes
|
Obstructions preventing egg and sperm union, often resulting from infections. |
|
Ovarian Cysts
|
Fluid-filled sacs on the ovaries can interfere with ovulation.
|
|
Fibroids
|
Non-cancerous tumors in the uterus may affect implantation. |
|
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
|
Infection-induced inflammation leading to scarring and infertility. |
|
Uterine Abnormalities
|
Structural issues like a septate uterus affecting implantation.
|
Laparoscopy Procedure: What to Expect?
Surgical steps
- Incision: A small cut, usually near the navel, is made.
- Insertion of Laparoscope: The camera-equipped instrument is introduced through the incision.
- Insufflation: Carbon dioxide gas inflates the abdomen for better visibility.
- Additional Incisions: One or more may be made for inserting surgical instruments if treatment is needed.
Postoperative care
- Recovery Time: Most patients go home the same day; full recovery may take a week or two.
- Follow-Up: Scheduled to monitor healing and discuss findings or further treatment.
Success Rate of Laparoscopy in Infertility Treatment
The success rate of laparoscopy varies according to the fertility condition of the women, simply, the reason behind the treatment.
Some studies show that laparoscopic treatment for endometriosis has a successful pregnancy rate of 30 to 50% within a particular year of surgery. And the success rate ranges from 20 to 40% if the laparoscopic treatment is for unblocking fallopian tubes.
When to Consider IVF or IUI After Laparoscopy?
Post-surgical assessment is highly recommended to determine whether your body has healed after the surgery or not. This test evaluates the effectiveness of laparoscopy in resolving infertility issues.
In short, when a natural pregnancy doesn’t occur within 6 to 12 months, you can consult the doctor to know IVF or IUI, which is the best treatment.
Typically, IUI could be the apt choice for women when there are mild abnormalities found post-laparoscopic surgery. If there are severe abnormalities, including blocked fallopian tubes or significant scarring, then considering IVF is essential.
However, waiting six to twelve months is essential after laparoscopy surgery to begin any fertility treatment.
Laparoscopy vs. Hysteroscopy: Which is Better for You?
| Parameters | Laparoscopy | Hysteroscopy |
|---|---|---|
|
Why is it done?
|
It is to examine and treat the conditions on the external surfaces of pelvic organs, such as the ovaries, uterus, fallopian tubes, and surrounding structures.
|
It is to examine and treat the conditions within the uterine cavity. |
|
Procedure
|
Inserting a laparoscope through a small incision in the abdomen and then, doctors begin the surgery.
This treatment is performed under general anesthesia.
|
Hysteroscope will be inserted through the vagina and cervix into the uterus, which eliminates the need for incisions.
Based on the patient’s condition, local, regional, or general anesthesia will be provided.
|
|
Conditions treated
|
Endometeriosis
Ovarian cysts
Ectopic pregnancy
Pelvic adhesions
Blocked fallopian tubes
|
Polyps
Uterine septum
Intrauterine adhesions
Uterine fibroids
|
|
Recovery time
|
It takes a few days to weeks for complete recovery. |
Generally, faster recovery, so patients can resume normal activities within one or two days. |
Cost of Laparoscopy for Infertility in India
The cost of laparoscopic surgery ranges from 40,000 INR to 1,50,000 INR, which varies based on the factors affecting the cost of laparoscopy.
Basic procedures could be less expensive, and complex surgeries will be expensive. Here is a cost comparison of laparoscopy at major cities in India.
| Cities | Price range |
|---|---|
|
Chennai
|
45,000 to 1,50,000 INR
|
|
Bangalore
|
55,000 to 1,80,000 INR
|
|
Kolkata
|
40,000 to 1,40,000 INR
|
|
Delhi
|
50,000 to 1,80,000 INR
|
|
Mumbai
|
60,000 to 2,00,000 INR |
Real Stories: Pregnancy After Laparoscopy
Over a year of trying to conceive with no success, frustration and anxiety began to set in for Meera. All her medical reports came back normal, yet deep down, she knew something wasn’t right. She decided to consult a fertility specialist for a deeper evaluation, trusting her instincts.
After listening carefully to her concerns, the doctor recommended a diagnostic laparoscopy. The results finally gave her an answer: mild endometriosis, a condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, often affecting fertility.
The affected tissue was carefully removed during the same procedure, and with it, Meera started to regain her hope. The doctor advised her to wait for three months before trying again, giving her body time to heal. Meera embraced this time to nurture herself, both physically and emotionally. She focused on balanced nutrition and kept the hope alive.
When she and her partner resumed trying, the first cycle didn’t bring the news they hoped for, but the second one did. A faint pink line turned into a strong positive: Meera was pregnant. Nine months later, she held her healthy baby girl in her arms, a moment that felt surreal after so much uncertainty.
Consult Our Fertility Specialists Today
If you’re struggling with infertility, keyhole surgery can save and help you achieve the dream of parenthood. So, you can consider fixing an appointment with Dr. Rukkayal Fathima, the best fertility doctor who has helped many couples achieve a successful pregnancy by providing the best treatment at the right time.
The doctor will conduct thorough assessments, such as medical history, physical examinations, and evaluate the overall body condition to determine the suitable treatment plan and provide the treatment properly.
So, you’re not alone in this journey, we are always with you!
Schedule an Appointment!
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
Typically, the recovery time for laparoscopy is from one to two weeks. Following the appointments properly ensures that everything is in control.
Yes, laparoscopic surgery can potentially damage the ovaries and reduce the ovarian reserve. This happens when the ovarian tissues are removed unintentionally during surgery.
Yes, laparoscopy is the highly recommended treatment for unblocking the fallopian tubes. This treatment removes the scar tissues, adhesions, and other blockages, which improve the fertility outcomes.
