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A major benefit of laparoscopy is that in addition to allowing the accurate diagnosis of a problem, if it exists, operative laparoscopy can also be done in the same surgery to correct the problem. Often, the laparoscopy provides reassurance that the woman is normal and that the chances of having a baby are, therefore, good. In such cases, it even allows the doctor to perform treatment for the infertility in that cycle, if appropriate, by using intratubal insemination or SIFT.
Laparoscopy often leads to an accurate diagnosis, which, in turn, leads to more appropriate and specific treatment. Once the laparoscopy is over, the doctor will usually have a good idea of what is wrong, and what can be done about it. Whatever the problem, its being treated properly are improved now that the diagnosis is accurate.
At the follow-up visit, discuss with the doctor what he found at the time of the laparoscopy and also how to proceed on the basis of the findings. There are three possible courses of action:
Such findings are the most common result and can be very reassuring!
Perhaps the doctor may suggest a second look laparoscopy or HSG after some time to document that the problem has, in fact, been corrected or else, additional in addition medical treatment may be advised to try to correct a residual problem (e.g. antibiotics for pelvic infection, medical treatment for endometriosis). A quandary may arise when the laparoscopy reveals a finding that may be of no relevance to the problem of infertility. For example, during laparoscopy the doctor may detect small fibroids, early endometriosis, or an ovarian cyst. These are common disorders and are often found in fertile women as well. Just making a diagnosis of these disorders does not automatically mean that they need to be corrected: they may be red herrings, which do not affect fertility. In fact, unnecessary surgery to remove these disorders can aggravate your infertility.
For treatment, the doctor may advise formal surgery (for example, microsurgery for blocked tubes) or IVF (for example for, patients with pelvic TB)
© Dr. Aniruddha Malpani and Dr. Anjali Malpani www.drmalpani.com
Credits: How to Have a Baby: Overcoming Infertility
