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Reproductive Surgery
When couples seek help for infertility, they discover a wide range of available tests and treatments. While the idea of surgery can be scary, reproductive surgery is one of the many options to help attain pregnancy.
How Can Surgery Help?
Sometimes, an anatomic problem prevents a couple from conceiving. Surgery can help fix the problem, whether it's a scarred tube or an abnormally shaped uterine cavity. In men, varicoceles (varicose veins in the scrotum) can often be a problem. Men and women who have undergone sterilization (vasectomy or tubal ligation) may also have surgery to try to regain fertility.
Which Surgery Is Done For Which Problem?
If there is scarring of the tubes, any of the above surgeries may be used.
Scarring or abnormalities within the uterus can also be treated surgically with hysteroscopy. In this procedure, the surgeon passes a tiny fiber optic camera through the cervix and into the uterus. This camera allows the surgeon to see the inside of the uterus. He or she can then repair scarring and remove polyps or fibroids that are immediately beneath the uterine lining.
Doctors may recommend a surgical treatment based on the patient, her fertility problem, and the type of surgery the surgeon performs. For most fertility procedures, you can go home the same day.
Endometriosis
For women with endometriosis, surgery can be done to remove, or lessen, the amount of abnormal tissue in the pelvis. This can be done through:
- Laparoscopy. The surgeon makes a tiny surgical cut (incision) at the belly button and places a fiber optic camera. This allows the doctor to see any scarring or abnormal tissue. Other small cuts are made for the instruments needed to perform the surgery.
- Mini-laparotomy. The surgeon makes a cut in the abdominal wall to reach the affected areas. Mini-laparotomy is performed through a small cut located just above the pubic bone. The surgeon explores the pelvis and corrects the problem.
- Laparotomy. The surgeon makes a larger cut, either just above the pubic bone or from the belly button down to the pubic hair area. Laparotomy may be needed for very severe scarring of the pelvis. You will likely need to stay in the hospital after this procedure.
Scarring, obstruction or damage from infection or other reasons
If there is scarring of the tubes, any of the above mentioned surgeries may be considered.
Scarring or abnormalities within the uterus can also be treated surgically with hysteroscopy. In this procedure, the surgeon passes a tiny fiber optic camera through the cervix and into the uterus. This camera allows the surgeon to see the inside of the uterus. They can then repair scarring and remove polyps or fibroids that are immediately beneath the uterine lining. Some surgeons may also attempt to repair blocked tubes through hysteroscopy, by threading a camera into the fallopian tubes.
Fibroids (benign tumors of the uterine muscle)
Fibroids can be removed by one of the following procedures.
- Laparotomy
- Hysteroscopy
- Laparoscopy
- Colpotomy (rarely used) which involves an incision through the vagina
Reversal of tubal ligation
For women who wish to reverse a previous sterilization, the surgeon may use laparoscopy or laparotomy with microsurgery.
For men who are infertile, the conditions that require surgery are more limited:
Varicocele repair (also referred to as varicose veins in the scrotum)
The surgeon makes a small incision, ties off the varicose vein, and restores fertility. Alternatively, the varicose veins may be treated without surgery. A tiny incision is made in the leg or neck of the patient where a catheter is inserted and the doctor then releases pellets to block blood flow to the varicose vein.
Reversal of vasectomy
This surgery needs to be performed by a surgeon experienced in microsurgery.
What Are The Risks Involved?
As with all surgeries, there are risks. Some patients have reactions to anesthesia, but this is rare. The procedure itself may cause bleeding, infection, or injury to other organs. If complications occur, patients may have to stay in the hospital for a few days.
Will My Insurance Cover These Surgeries?
Coverage for infertility treatment, whether surgical or medical, varies depending on what state you live in and what insurance you have. Before you have a procedure, ask your doctor's office to confirm if any of the procedure will be covered. Surgery to treat problems other than infertility, such as pelvic pain in a patient with endometriosis, may be covered. This procedure may also help improve your fertility. Surgery to reverse a prior sterilization is often not covered by insurance.
Reviewed By: LaQuita Martinez, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Emory Johns Creek Hospital, Alpharetta, GA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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