WHAT ARE SOME OF THE INDICATIONS FOR LAPAROSCOPY?

Sometimes, if a couple is having difficulty conceiving, the Colorado reproductive endocrinologist might believe there are indications for a woman to have a laparoscopy.

For example, the only way to definitively diagnose endometriosis that may be a cause of infertility is with laparoscopy. In this instance, laparoscopy would be used as a diagnostic procedure. However, laparoscopy has a wide and varied usage in the field of infertility.

The past two decades have seen much progress in laparoscopy with notable advances in its technique, so that nowadays it helps immensely in improving pregnancy rates, as well as success in ART, or Assisted Reproductive Technology.

Laparoscopy might be used in a number of ways when dealing with infertility. As a gynecologist Denver trusts, Dr. Smith offers minimally invasive laparoscopy.

Indications for Laparoscopy

Here are some of the things that are indications for laparoscopy to be used:

• Ÿ  Checking the fallopian tubes to be sure they are open and in normal condition
• Ÿ  Tubal or reproductive surgery
• Ÿ  Endometriosis
• Ÿ  Egg retrieval for assisted reproduction
• Ÿ  Lysis, or cutting of adhesions that might be preventing pregnancy
• Ÿ  Ovarian drilling to promote ovulation

Women who are having trouble getting pregnant and presenting certain symptoms or have been diagnosed with a condition such as PCOS might have indications for laparoscopy.

It might be helpful to have some information about indications for laparoscopy, such as what this procedure is and what you can expect if you have it done.

If You Have Indications for Laparoscopy

Your fertility specialist has said that you have indications for laparoscopy. What is this procedure and what does it entail?

A laparoscopy is a surgical procedure, usually a small incision in the abdomen that uses a thin, lighted tube through it to take a look at the female or abdominal organs. It may be done for diagnostic purposes, or it may be used for surgical procedures or with Assisted Reproductive Technology.

In many cases, general anesthesia will be used, but you may also have spinal anesthesia or another type.

After a small incision is made in your belly, a hollow needle is inserted so that gas (carbon dioxide or nitrous oxide) can be used to inflate the belly, lifting the abdominal wall in order for the surgeon to see organs more clearly. Then, a lighted scope is inserted to see the organs. Tools may be used to take a tissue sample, drain cysts, and more.

Following surgery, all tools are removed and the gas released from your belly. The small incision is sutured and a bandage applied. Scarring is normally minimal. In most cases, you will be able to resume your normal activities on the day after the laparoscopy.

When treating infertility, your doctor may find indications for laparoscopy. Dr. Deborah Smith is a fertility specialist in Colorado with over twenty years experience helping women achieve their fertility goals.