LAPAROSCOPY and treatment of infertility
Laparoscopy is a type of surgery during which the doctor can inspect the anatomy of the reproductive organs, in particular the uterus, the shape of the fallopian tubes, and the location of the ovaries. Laparoscopy is also the most objective method of evaluating the patency of the fallopian tubes. If abnormalities that often lead to reduced fertility, such as endometriosis, adhesions, ovarian cysts, fibroids are found, they can be immediately removed.
Indications for laparoscopy in patients with infertility
- Idiopathic infertility
- Tubal factor infertility (fallopian tube obstruction)
- Suspected endometriosis
- Ovarian cysts
- Uterine fibroids
- Severe PCOS (non-responsive to ovulation stimulation)
- Genital malformation
- Ectopic pregnancy
How to prepare for laparoscopic surgery
The patient has to do the following tests before laparoscopy:
- Microbiological analysis of a smear from the cervical canal for Chlamydia t., Ureaplasma, Mycoplasma, and bacteriological and mycological culture of a smear from the genital tract
- Blood type
- Test for hepatitis B (HBs and a-HCV) and HIV
- Whole blood count, sodium, potassium, glucose, INR, APTT
- ECG
How is laparoscopy performed?
All surgical procedures in our clinic are performed in line with the ERAS protocol (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery), which means the patient is prepared for the surgery in such a way as to ensure fast return to normal activity. Most procedures following this protocol are done as same-day surgeries. Coordinators from our clinic will discuss your preoperative diet with you.
You will be asked to come to the clinic on the day of the surgery 60 minutes before the planned procedure (you have to be fasting for at least 6 hours); during this time you will have a medical interview, and a small cannula will be inserted into a vein. The doctor will explain to you how the procedure will be done. Then you will be asked to remove your clothes and put on a special gown, and will be taken to the operating room.
Surgery is done under general anaesthesia and usually lasts from 30 minutes to 3 hours. After surgery you will be taken to the postoperative care department and you will stay there for at least 6 hours. If the doctor decides you are ready to leave the clinic, you will be discharged. It may happen that you will have to stay with us for the night – in this case, we provide 24-hour medical care.