Fertility Surgery

Scar tissue can be very dense and affect the release of the egg and block the entrance to the fallopian tubes. 

Scar tissue between the internal organs of the pelvis, (including bowel, uterus, ovaries, and pelvic side wall) is excised and divided, freeing up the organs to allow the normal fertility process. 

Laparoscopic surgery is often used to treat endometriosis by removing or destroying the cysts (fluid filled sacs).

This can also be used to remove fibroids (growths in the womb.)

A minor surgical procedure can also be carried out for PCOS. This is called laparoscopic ovarian drilling and is typically used if ovulation medicine has not worked. Heat or a laser is used to destroy a section of the ovary.

Surgery to remove a cyst from the ovary. Cysts can often cause little to no symptoms but they can sometimes cause pain or discomfort and make it harder to conceive. Removal of the cysts is the best treatment option in these cases and is usually done laparoscopically.

During this procedure, a small incision is made near your belly button to insert the laparoscope. Endometriosis scarring can then be removed. 

This can be done: 

• surgically (excision) 
• using ablation (destroying the cells using diathermy)

If the fallopian tubes are blocked or scarred, surgery can help to repair them. It works by breaking up the scar tissue, allowing the eggs to flow through easily. 

The success of the procedure depends upon the extent of the damage to the fallopian tubes. 

This procedure is used to examine the uterus. A telescope with a light and camera at the end (hysteroscope) is passed into the womb through the vagina and cervix to send images to a monitor to see inside the womb. A local anaesthetic is sometimes used.

A hysteroscopy is used to investigate symptoms such as:

• heavy periods
• unusual bleeding
• difficulty conceiving
• repeated miscarriages
• diagnose conditions such as fibroids and polyps
• treat conditions such as removing fibroids, polyps and intrauterine adhesions (scar tissue that reduces fertility)

When performed electively, this is a procedure where the fallopian tube is opened laparoscopically to allow passage of a developing embryo along it. This aims to remove blockages and adhesions.

If the fallopian tube appears damaged such as a hydrosalpinx or with internal scarring, the outcome with regards to a successful pregnancy may be limited and IVF may be advised.