Laparoscopic Surgery, or laparoscopy, is among the most preferred of surgical treatments for curing female fertility issues like blocked fallopian tubes and endometriosis. Laparoscopy is capable of penetrating and cutting through the fibers or adhesions responsible for blocking the fallopian tubes and hardening the uterine tissues. However, before opting for this surgery, it is vital to understand how it is performed.
Getting Started
The abdomen is prepared for the surgery. This is done by prepping the abdomen and inflating it with certain gases. Usually, nitrous oxide or carbon dioxide gas is used for this purpose. These gases are able to bloat the abdominal cavity and push away the inner lining of the abdomen. This is done to provide the surgeon a better view of the internal organs.
Making Incisions
The surgeon makes a very small incision along the abdomen to insert the laparoscope. This is a medically-recommended viewing instrument that is used in other formats of plastic and corrective surgery. There are no defined guidelines for the number of incisions that are made. In fact, in some cases, multiple laparoscopes might have to be inserted at once to view a deep-seated cyst that is causing abnormal protrusion of uterine tissues.
Visual Examination
During the laparoscopic inspection, the surgeon will view all the organs that are surrounding the suspected cause of infertility. In fact, most surgeons like to view the entire pelvic cavity since internal adhesions causing infertility are often invasive and the surgery might have to be extended into the surrounding organs. The surgeon will inspect the abdominal region for any sign of disease and infection apart from finding out the exact location and extent of adhesions or blockages. Though the infection cannot be treated through laparoscopy, the visual confirmation ensures that the surgeon can recommend medications or some other treatment to cure a previously undiagnosed or suspected condition.
Surgical Treatment
Based upon the kind of physical abnormality decoded within the abdomen, the surgeon will choose the surgical approach. This can mean the surgical excision of an infected part of the uterus or surgical correction of uterine tissues that might have been displaced due to a developing cyst. The cyst and other such growths are removed if their removal doesn’t present any imminent danger.
Liberty of Treatment
The surgeon has the liberty of pursuing dilatation and curettage of endometrial tissues or to order a simultaneous examination of a biopsied sample to rule-out possibility of other infections. For removing a twisted or infected part of the uterus, the surgeon might use a laser beam or electro-cauterization, depending upon his preference for excision methods. Upon completion, the incisions are closed with dissolving stitches or surgical staples.
Preference for Laparoscopic Surgery
Laparoscopic Surgery is preferred because it allows the surgeon to have a comprehensive view of the internal organs. This makes it easier to view the exact location of the fibrous bands or adhesions interfering with the reproductive tract. The surgery is conducted under general anesthesia and takes just about 45 minutes. The procedure can also be performed on an outpatient basis but this is not recommended by most clinics.
Contemporary surgical methods are inclined towards using a live video feed when conducting laparoscopy. Here, the visuals are displayed on to a TV monitor that further raises the clarity of vision for the surgeon and surgical staff. Many laparoscopy surgeons use incisions so small that stitches are seldom needed, and there is no fear of any infection arising at the site of incision.
