To help facilitate the intricate journey to parenthood, it is important to have knowledge of possible roadblocks and the high-end alternatives currently available to couples. Here at Eraya Fertility, we are committed to arming you with information and offering state of the art care. Laparoscopy, one of the powerful pairs of tools in our arsenal, can become a game-changer in managing fertility problems and their diagnosis
What is a Laparoscopy?
Laparoscopy is an operation that enables your doctor to view your inside abdomen and pelvis.
It is an operation carried out with a laparoscope, which is a thin, telescopic probe with a camera and light at its tip. The laparoscope is passed through a very small incision (approximately 0.51 cm) made by your surgeon in the skin near your belly button. In some cases, two or three more small cuts may be done to put other surgery equipment in case treatment is necessary.
As the camera advances into the inside of your body the camera gives images in real time of your pelvic organs such as your uterus, fallopian tube and ovaries on a monitor. This provides your fertility doctor with a clear picture of what is going inside your body way beyond what scans or tests can detect.
Laparoscopy vs. Laparoscopic Surgery
There is a slight difference in the common synchronic use of the terms:
Laparoscopy (Diagnostic):
Mainly involves visualizing the search of problems. It is recommended by your healthcare provider when other tests have failed to determine the cause of the condition or to take tissue samples (biopsies).
Laparoscopic Surgery (Operative):
Developments of the diagnostic part. When a problem is detected in the preliminary investigation, often the surgeon will have the time and ability to use the laparoscope and a variety of surgical devices to work on the internal organs during the same procedure.
What Happens During the Procedure?
- Anesthesia: There is no pain because you will be under general anesthesia.
- Minimized Incisions: Your surgeon uses a small incision close to your navel, then introduces gas (normally carbon dioxide) to expand your abdomen and give it visual clarity.
- Inserting the Laparoscope: The laparoscope is introduced and your pelvic organs are visualized on a high-definition TV screen.
- Treatment as Required: In case we find some conditions such as endometriosis, adhesions or cysts we are able to treat them frequently during the same seat with the aid of a fine surgical instrument utilizing additional little incisions.
- Completion: The incisions are stitched back together using dissolving sutures or glue and the instruments and gas are cleared.
What to Expect During and After the Procedure?
- During: You will be given general anesthesia. Small cuts will be inflated and your abdomen will be inflated gently with a safe gas which will give a clear picture. Other instruments including the laparoscope will be inserted to carry out diagnosis and/or treatment. A diagnostic laparoscopy may last 30-60 minutes, and operative procedures can last one to three hours.
- After: You will take up to one hour in a recovery room. Some abdominal tenderness, cramping, and even shoulder pain (because of left-over gas) can occur. We will also provide you with the necessary pain medications to make your stay comfortable. Your Eraya Fertility specialist will talk about their findings and the following stages in your individual treatment plan.
When to Contact Your Doctor?
We are primarily concerned about your welfare in your fertility journey. Although laparoscopy is a relatively harmless and widespread practice, there is a list of particular symptoms and indicators that need to be mentioned and regarded as a reason to get to the hospital. Please call us immediately in case you are experiencing any of the following:
- High fever or chills: This may be due to an infection and further treatment is highly important.
- Redness, swelling, or any unusual discharge at your incision sites: Other minor changes are to be expected, but an increasing redness, swelling or unusual discharge at your incisions indicates a localized problem that must be addressed.
- Severe bleeding or uncommon persistent pain: Bleeding is part of the healing process but any excessive bleeding or prolonged pain that medication cannot help should be reported.
- Trouble urinating or constant vomiting: This may happen after you have been operated on and may need a medical examination.
Keep in mind that we are never closed at Eraya Fertility and have a highly specialised staff readily available. We take your safety seriously and will assist and guide you whenever needed.
Final Thoughts
We are well aware that having any medical procedure, particularly one involving your fertility issues, can be an overwhelming process. However, there is more to laparoscopy as a tool used by surgeons, this method will in many cases signify a turning point in the discovery of the cause of your fertility issues. It creates an important gateway to accurate diagnoses and highly effective cures that takes you one step closer to becoming the parent you dreamed of.
Whether you are struggling with the heartaches of infertility, chronic pelvic pain, or persistent unexplained symptoms that have caused you to feel lost trying to find a solution, we are here as supportive medical professionals ready to help you. Our role is to assist you in the decision to consider laparoscopy as a possible diagnostic or treatment procedure in your case. This process has assisted many to find out vital details and solve a few problems that had thwarted their way to conception.
Are you prepared to make this significant milestone in your fertility journey?
We can build on our knowledge and your hopes to help you realize your dream of having a family or adding to your family.
