Procedures for Infertility and IVF Treatment
Sometimes, the very best chances of pregnancy success require surgical procedures. The majority of procedures are minimally invasive and highly effective, and can be done on an outpatient basis in our own office. This overview guides you on the surgical procedures that you may encounter as part of your personalized infertility treatment plan.
Hysteroscopy
With this procedure a tiny fiber-optic camera is inserted into the uterine cavity via the vagina – therefore no incision is needed. The surgeon can then remove scar tissue, fibroids, polyps or a uterine septum. This is performed in-office and at the hospital on an outpatient basis.
Laparoscopy and Robotic Laparoscopy
Ovarian cysts, fibroids, abnormal fallopian tubes, endometriosis and scar tissue are treated via small incisions made in the abdomen. This is performed at the hospital on an outpatient basis.
Laparotomy/Open Surgery
With this treatment an incision similar to the type made during a cesaeran section is made in the lower abdomen. This surgery is used for tubal reanastamoses (reconnecting surgically sealed fallopian tubes) or some complex cases of endometriosis or fibroids. A short hospital stay (1-2 nights) is typical.
Egg Retrieval
What is an egg retrieval? Egg retrieval is the process in which eggs are removed from the ovarian follicles via a thin needle for use in an IVF procedure.
Routinely performed in women undergoing In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) or egg freezing, this procedure removes a woman’s eggs from the ovaries. A thin needle is gently guided to the follicles by an ultrasound, and the eggs are aspirated into the needle and removed from the ovary.
Varicocelectomy
The presence of varicose veins in the scrotum can negatively impact the quality of sperm. In this procedure varicose veins are ligated or surgically removed through a small incision in the groin. This procedure is performed by our local urology partner.
Vasectomy Reversal (Vasovasostomy or Vasoepididymostomy)
This procedure reconnects the vas deferens through a small incision in the testicle, enabling sperm to once again enter the seminal fluid. This procedure is performed by our local urology partner.
Sperm Retrieval (epididymal aspiration)
This surgical procedure retrieves sperm directly from the testicle. The Center for Reproductive Medicine is the only center in South Alabama, the Mississippi Gulf Coast and the Florida Panhandle to perform this procedure in-office.