Laparoscopy/Hysteroscopy
Laparoscopy
Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique that often plays an important role in the diagnosis and/or treatment of infertility. In laparoscopy, a small incision is made in the umbilicus (navel or belly button) and the laparoscope (a long narrow instrument with a lens at one end) is inserted, allowing the physician to evaluate the reproductive organs (uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries). Examples of fertility problems that can be corrected with laparoscopy include removal of adhesions (scar tissue) from around the fallopian tubes and ovaries, opening of blocked tubes, removal ovarian cysts, and treatment of endometriosis. In certain situations, uterine fibroids can also be removed laparoscopically.
Hysteroscopy
Hysteroscopy is another minimally invasive surgical technique which is often useful in the diagnosis and treatment of infertility. It does not involve an incision since the hysteroscope (a similar long narrow instrument with a lens at one end) is inserted directly into the uterus via the cervix. Through the hysteroscope, safe and effective treatment of problems such as fibroids, polyps, intra-uterine septum or intra-uterine scar tissue (a.k.a. Asherman's syndrome) can be achieved.
The physicians at USC Fertility have extensive experience and expertise in these minimally invasive surgical procedures. With a focus on optimizing fertility, they provide specialized care to all patients who will benefit from surgery.