What is Laparoscopic Surgery?

Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive surgery typically performed on the abdomen or pelvis with the assistance of a laparoscope (small video camera) which provides visuals for areas outside of the uterus such as fallopian tube, ovaries and the general pelvic region. Laparoscopic surgeries have very small incisions which lead to faster recovery times and less scarring. This type of surgery is used to both diagnose conditions and to perform infertility treatments.

Fertility Treatment & Laparoscopic Surgery
Laparoscopic surgery is used to remedy a variety of conditions that can affect fertility including:

• Endometriosis
  This is a condition where the tissues lining the uterus start growing outside of the uterus on the ovaries, bowel, bladder and other areas of the pelvic region. This can cause physical discomfort, irregular bleeding and infertility. Endometriosis is typically diagnosed in women between the ages of 25 to 35. Laparoscopic surgery can be performed to help remove the tissues causing infertility.

• Adhesions
  Adhesions are scar-like fibrous bands that form between tissues and organs causing two parts of your body to bind together that should be separate. Usually adhesions are painless, however they can cause infertility when formed between ovaries, fallopian tubes, the uterus or pelvic walls. Adhesions can typically be removed through laparoscopic surgery.

• Fibroids
  A common occurrence, fibroids are non-cancerous tumors in the muscle cells of the uterus. Most fibroids are very small and don't have any symptoms, but they can cause infertility if they block eggs or sperm from the fallopian tubes. Fibroids in the uterus can also make it harder for an embryo to develop. A laparoscopic myomectomy can remove fibroids.

• Tubal Obstruction
  Infertility can be caused by blocked fallopian tubes. The fallopian tubes may be blocked due to a number of reasons including scars from a pelvic infection, endometriosis, ectopic pregnancy, adhesions and more. In order to test for tubal obstruction a hysterosalpingogram (HSG) is performed, which is an x-ray taken after dye is injected into the fallopian tubes. Laparoscopic surgery can help unblock the fallopian tubes if necessary.

What is Hysteroscopic Surgery?

Hysteroscopic surgery involves the use of a small video camera to examine the uterus and uterine lining. The telescope goes through the cervix and into the uterus in order to view the uterine cavity. Hysteroscopic surgery is minimally invasive, using small incisions which provides less scarring, fewer complications and faster recovery. Some common hysteroscopic surgeries are:

• Fibroid removal
• Polyp removal
• Scar tissue removal
• Endometrial ablation

Laparoscopic & Hysteroscopic Surgery at Washington Fertility Center:

For patients seeking Laparoscopic or Hysteroscopic procedures in Northern Virginia, Maryland and the DC metropolitan area, Washington Fertility Center is distinguished from the other area fertility clinics through our extraordinary attention to detail. All procedures are performed by highly skilled micro surgeons in a AAAHC accredited surgical center. Our unique combination of medical experience, excellent patient care and high success rates make Washington Fertility Center the first choice for patients from all over the world.

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