Surgical Fertility Treatment Techniques
When infertility is the result of a physical blockage or abnormality that prevents conception or implantation, surgery is often the only method available to correct the problem. Fortunately, with minimally invasive surgical techniques and advanced microsurgical technologies, these procedures are safer, easier to recover from, and more effective than ever before. These are only some of the common fertility treatment procedures performed at our Fort Lauderdale-area practice in Florida.
Hysteroscopy
A hysteroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique that allows us to examine and perform procedures on the inside of the uterus. When performed for fertility treatment, it usually involves the removal of uterine fibroids, polyps, or adhesions.
While the patient is under anesthesia, the cervix is dilated, allowing for the insertion of a thin surgical device, known as a hysteroscope, into the uterine cavity. A camera on the end of the hysteroscope makes it possible for the surgeon to see the inside of the uterus. Carbon dioxide gas is used to gently inflate the uterus, making it easier to see and access the areas to be treated. Specialized instruments are then used to perform the necessary fertility treatment procedure. When the operation is complete, the gas is released. Since no incisions are necessary, there are no stitches to be removed and recovery tends to be very brief.
Laparoscopy
While hysteroscopy involves the examination and treatment of the inside of the uterus, a laparoscopy is performed to assess or treat problems in the pelvic cavity, outside of the uterus. Laparoscopy can be performed for the treatment of endometriosis, pelvic scarring, and other conditions.
By creating one or more small incisions (usually less than one inch in length), surgeons can insert a laparoscope with a small camera on the end into the pelvic cavity. Once again, the space is inflated with carbon dioxide gas. Additional instruments are then introduced in order to perform the procedure. Once the fertility treatment surgery has been completed, the abdomen is deflated and the incisions are closed.
Myomectomy
A myomectomy is a surgical procedure to remove uterine fibroids. These benign tumors develop in the muscles of the uterine wall and, if they grow large enough, can push into the uterus, causing pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, and frequent urination. Because uterine fibroids can complicate or even prevent pregnancy, fertility treatment may require their removal.
Myomectomy can be performed hysteroscopically, laparocopically, or through traditional, open surgery, depending on the size, number, and location of the fibroids.
Selective Tubal Cannulation
Certain types of blockage that occur near the proximal end (closest to the uterus) of the fallopian tube can be cleared with a simple fertility treatment procedure known as selective tubal cannulation. By dilating the cervix and gently threading a catheter through the uterus and into the fallopian tube, physicians are able to push out whatever material has built up in the tube and allow clear access for an egg to travel into the uterus.
Robotic Surgery with the da Vinci® Surgical System
IVF FLORIDA is pleased to now be able to offer this new category of minimally invasive surgical technique for specific reproductive surgical procedures. In addition to current use of minimally invasive procedures, the addition of the da Vinci® Surgical System adds yet another advanced technological procedure to our comprehensive list of services.
The da Vinci® Surgical System is an effective, minimally invasive alternative to both open surgery and laparoscopy. Performed through the smallest incisions, the robotic approach offers definitive treatment with the potential for significantly less pain, a shorter hospital stay, faster return to normal daily activities and potentially better clinical outcome. Through the use of the da Vinci® Surgical System, our surgeons are now able to offer this minimally invasive approach for the surgical treatment of several conditions:
