Laparoscopy for Infertility - Cost and Success Rate in India

Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique used for detecting any medical irregularities in a patient's abdominal and pelvic areas. It is also known as the ‘keyhole’ surgery because of the minimal-sized incision made during the process. 

It derives its name from the instrument used to perform the surgery, the laparoscope. It is a fibre-optic tube-like device with a high-resolution camera and a bright light on its head. By making a small incision of 0.5 to 1 cm, the device can be inserted into the abdomen to investigate the potential issues. 

Laparoscopy is different from regular surgery because surgery requires a bigger incision followed by the inspection of the organs by the eyes of the doctor. 

Laparoscopy for infertility is a new-age technique, enabling doctors to make more accurate observations. Women have their reproductive organs in their pelvic area. A laparoscope is inserted near the areas around the belly button, which is then used to examine the patient's uterus, fallopian tube, and ovaries. 

It can be used to diagnose the reason behind infertility. It can also be used to perform surgery to eliminate the problem diagnosed earlier. In the latter case, the laparoscope will be accompanied by other small surgical tools to perform any surgery for any abnormality found during the diagnosis of the pelvic area.

Laparoscopy is an important tool for the diagnosis and treatment of infertility. It allows doctors to see inside the body and identify conditions that may be affecting fertility, such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, and pelvic adhesions. 

By using laparoscopy for treating infertility, doctors can provide more targeted and effective treatment, improving the chances of a successful pregnancy for those struggling to conceive. Laparoscopy is used for treating infertility in any of the following cases listed below:

1. When uterine fibroids occupy the uterine space meant for the embryo, fibroids are muscle growths inside the uterus walls. The presence of such fibroids restricts the implantation of the embryo. Laparoscopy can be used to eliminate these ingrowths.
2. Sometimes, the shape of the uterus prevents a woman from conceiving. A bi-cornuate, i.e., a heart-shaped uterus, or one that has a septum, i.e., a division between the uterus walls, are major issues that do not allow pregnancy.
   Such abnormalities in the shape of the uterus can also be treated by laparoscopy.
3. Removal of the blockage in the fallopian tube results in increased chances of pregnancy.
4. In case of damage to the fallopian tube and excess fluid collection in them, IVF needs to be preceded by laparoscopy.
5. Large cysts in ovaries that do not get removed by medication also need laparoscopic surgery for a healthy pregnancy.
6. Endometriosis is a condition in women where the three major reproductive organs, the fallopian tubes, the uterus, and the ovaries, get attached or intertwined with each other. In such a case, pregnancy is impossible. Hence, laparoscopy is used to reduce the adhesion between the organs.

Laparoscopic surgery for infertility is performed with utmost precision, where a doctor often makes small incisions to diagnose and operate on the internal reproductive organs.

The complexity of a laparoscopy procedure depends on various factors, such as the intention of the procedure (diagnostic or surgical), the patient's overall health and medical history, the surgeon's experience and skill level, and the availability of equipment and resources.

The time involved in doing the surgery ranges from only 30 to 45 minutes. Following are the steps involved during laparoscopy for infertility:

1. Anaesthesia: The patient is given general anaesthesia to ensure they are comfortable and unaware of the procedure.
2. Incision: The surgeon makes a small incision near the belly button and inserts a needle to inflate the abdomen with gas (usually carbon dioxide). This creates a space for the surgeon to work and reduces the risk of organ injury.
3. Laparoscope Insertion: The surgeon inserts the laparoscope through the incision. The laparoscope is a thin tube with a camera and light attached to it, which allows the surgeon to view the internal organs of the abdomen and pelvis on a monitor.
4. Additional Incisions: Additional small incisions are made in other areas of the abdomen to allow for the insertion of specialised surgical instruments.
5. Surgery: The surgeon manipulates the instruments to perform the necessary surgery while viewing the monitor. Depending on the procedure, the surgeon may remove tissue, repair organs, or take a biopsy.
6. Removal of Instruments and Closure of Incisions: After the procedure is complete, the instruments are removed, and the gas is released from the abdomen. The incisions are closed with sutures or surgical glue.

The length of time it takes to recover from a diagnostic laparoscopy for infertility and return to work and normal daily activities will vary depending on the individual and the procedure performed.

In general, patients can expect to be off work for at least a few days and may need to avoid strenuous activities for a few weeks. 

Recovery After The Procedure

1. At the Hospital
   1. The patient is taken to a recovery room, where he/she is monitored until the effect of anaesthesia wears off and the patient is stable. 
   2. The patient may experience abdominal bloating and discomfort due to the gas used during the surgery. 
   3. Pain medication may be given to manage the discomfort. 
2. At Home
   In most cases, the patient can go home the same day or the following day after the laparoscopic surgery for infertility. It is important to have someone available to drive the patient home and provide assistance with daily activities as needed. 
   1. During the first few days after surgery, it is important to rest and avoid strenuous activities.
   2. The patient may experience some discomfort, but this can usually be managed with pain medication. 
   3. It is important to follow all the instructions provided by the surgeon.
   4. It is also important to drink plenty of fluids and eat a healthy diet to aid in the healing process.
3. First Follow-up Appointment
   The patient will have a follow-up appointment with the surgeon to monitor their recovery and ensure no complications. Depending on the procedure performed, the patient may also have additional appointments with a fertility specialist to discuss the next steps in their treatment.
   While laparoscopy is generally considered safe, there is always a risk of complications. Patients should contact their doctor immediately if they experience severe abdominal pain, fever, or heavy bleeding after surgery.

The laparoscopy for infertility success rate in India varies depending on the individual case and the specific procedure performed.

Studies have shown that laparoscopic surgery can improve fertility outcomes in women with endometriosis by as much as 50%, and can also significantly improve pregnancy rates in women with other types of infertility. The success rate of laparoscopy for infertility can be influenced by several factors, including:

1. Age of the patient: The age of the patient is an important factor in determining the success of laparoscopy for infertility. As a woman ages, her ovarian reserve and egg quality decline, which can reduce the chances of pregnancy.
2. Cause of infertility: The underlying cause of infertility can also impact the success of laparoscopy. Laparoscopy can be an effective treatment for certain conditions, such as endometriosis, adhesions, and fibroids, but may not be effective for other causes of infertility, such as male factor infertility.
3. The severity of the condition: The severity of the condition being treated can also impact the success of laparoscopic surgery for infertility. In cases where the condition is advanced or severe, laparoscopy may not be enough to address the issue.
4. The skill of the surgeon: The skill and experience of the surgeon performing the laparoscopy can also impact the success of the procedure. A skilled surgeon can minimise the risk of complications and improve the chances of success.
5. The overall health of the patient: The overall health of the patient, including factors such as body weight, smoking status, and underlying medical conditions, can also impact the success of laparoscopy for infertility.
6. Follow-up care: Appropriate follow-up care after the laparoscopy is also critical to success. Patients should follow their doctor's instructions regarding recovery and any necessary post-operative treatments or medications.

Laparoscopy is a safe and effective option for diagnosing and treating infertility. Diagnostic laparoscopy for infertility also has a shorter recovery time, meaning patients can return to normal activities more quickly.

If you struggle with infertility, laparoscopy may be an option worth considering. Here are some benefits of laparoscopy for infertility:

1. Minimally invasive: Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that uses small incisions, resulting in less pain, scarring, and a shorter recovery time compared to traditional open surgery.
2. Accurate diagnosis: Laparoscopy allows for direct visualisation of the reproductive organs, allowing for a more accurate diagnosis of infertility causes such as endometriosis, fibroids, and adhesions.
3. Treatment of underlying conditions: Laparoscopy can treat underlying conditions such as endometriosis, fibroids, and adhesions that can cause infertility, improving the chances of natural conception or the success of other fertility treatments.
4. Fewer complications: The minimally invasive nature of laparoscopic surgery for infertility reduces the risk of complications, such as infection and bleeding, compared to traditional open surgery.
5. Improved chances of success: By addressing underlying conditions that can cause infertility, laparoscopy can improve the chances of success for other fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF).
6. Shorter hospital stay: Laparoscopy is typically an outpatient procedure, allowing patients to go home on the same day, which reduces healthcare costs.
7. Quicker return to daily activities: The minimally invasive nature of laparoscopy leads to a shorter recovery time, allowing patients to return to daily activities sooner.
8. Lower cost: Laparoscopy is generally less expensive than traditional open surgery, making it a more cost-effective treatment option for infertility.

Understanding the risks of laparoscopic surgery for infertility is important for patients to make an informed decision about their treatment options. It can also help patients to prepare for potential complications and to monitor their health after the procedure.

Patients should discuss the risks and benefits of laparoscopy with their healthcare provider.

1. Abdominal Pain: It is a common side effect of the surgery that results from the insufflation of carbon dioxide inside the body done to facilitate the surgery. The pain should most likely subside in a day or two.
2. Bleeding: Vaginal bleeding can be another common sight after laparoscopy. It usually lasts for about a month and can also disturb the menstrual cycle of women. The first few periods after the operation are likely to be more painful, with heavier than ever bleeding.
3. Swelling and Redness: To heal the incisions made during the surgery, the body will send white blood cells to those areas. The increased flow of these infection-control agents is likely to cause swelling and redness around the cuts. However, the problem shall subside within a week.
4. Blood Clotting: Increased pressure on the abdominal area can increase the risk of blood clotting. Hence, it is suggested that the patient should not sit for a few days post-surgery.
5. Infection: This is the most common risk involved in laparoscopic and other surgeries. It results mainly due to medical negligence when the wounds and the tools are not cleaned properly.

The cost of laparoscopic surgery for infertility can range from ₹ 20,000 to ₹ 50,000. The cost of laparoscopy for infertility can be affected by various factors, including:

1. Geographical location: The cost of laparoscopy can vary depending on the location and the cost of living in that area.
2. Type of facility: The cost of laparoscopy can also vary depending on the type of facility where the procedure is performed, such as a hospital or a surgical centre.
3. Surgeon's fees: The experience and reputation of the surgeon can impact the cost of the procedure.
4. Anaesthesia fees: The cost of anaesthesia can vary depending on the type and duration of anaesthesia used.
5. Diagnostic tests: If additional diagnostic tests are required before or after the procedure, the cost of the overall treatment can increase.
6. Insurance coverage: The amount of insurance coverage or out-of-pocket costs can also impact the overall cost of laparoscopy for infertility.

Laparoscopy for infertility is an effective way to treat reproductive abnormalities. The method can also examine and treat other organs such as the liver, stomach, appendix, spleen, gallbladder, etc.

The recovery from the surgery is generally quicker and depends on factors like the number of incisions, type of anaesthesia, overall personal health, etc. 

While the method treats infertility, the conception timeline after the surgery is likely to suffer. If painful, intercourse should be avoided for a few days. One should allow the body to heal and relax before planning for the child.

You can connect with our experts at HexaHealth and understand more about post-operative care for laparoscopy for infertility. Our professionals ensure seamless surgery and help you navigate through the challenges arising after the operation as well. Get in touch with us today and learn more!

Suggested Reads

To read more about infertility, visit the following links:

• Does PCOS Cause Infertility? - Reasons, Diagnosis, Solutions
• Blood Test for Infertility in Female - What to Expect, Results
• What are the Signs of Infertility After Abortion?