Laparoscopy enables Dr. Vandermolen to treat reproductive issues and improve your odds of success
With more than 30 years of experience, David T. Vandermolen MD, MS, our Northern Louisiana fertility expert, has the clinical expertise to diagnose and treat infertility. Dr. Vandermolen continuously stays abreast of the latest advances in reproductive medicine, so that he can provide the best treatment options for our patients. One area of focus is laparoscopy, a type of minimally invasive surgery that our Northern Louisiana fertility expert uses to correct reproductive system problems.
What is laparoscopy?
Unlike traditional surgical procedures, laparoscopy involves making a small incision in your abdomen and inserting a thin, telescopic rod with a small camera on the end, called a laparoscope, to view your reproductive organs. This device generates images in real time, so that our Northern Louisiana fertility expert can assess any physical abnormalities and biopsy any areas of concern. If further surgery is warranted, Dr. Vandermolen can also use surgical instruments by inserting them through the same opening.
Understanding the benefits of laparoscopy over traditional surgery
Minimally invasive surgery like laparoscopy offers several advantages over conventional surgery. Usually, the recovery process and any hospitalization time are reduced. Additionally, patients typically experience less pain, less risk of infection, and fewer complications with laparoscopic procedures. Dr. Vandermolen can employ laparoscopy to biopsy tissue, remove small masses, and repair damaged or abnormal areas.
Who should consider minimally invasive reproductive surgery?
As part of a complete infertility evaluation, our Northern Louisiana fertility expert will review your medical history, schedule blood tests, perform an examination and order an ultrasound. This initial testing will help Dr. Vandermolen decide whether further exploration is necessary. He may recommend laparoscopy in the following situations.
- A history of pelvic infection
- Recurrent pregnancy loss
- Known anatomical abnormalities
- Abnormal bleeding
- Persistent abdominal pain
- Unexplained infertility with normal test results
Recovery and next steps
Before a laparoscopic procedure, our medical team will provide you with detailed instructions about when to stop eating or drinking, arrival time, and any necessary preparations. During the surgery, you will be under general anesthesia. For outpatient laparoscopy, you will spend some time in the recovery area and then go home the same day. More extensive abdominal surgery may require a brief hospital stay. Patients typically feel sore and tired for the first few days, but often resume normal activities shortly thereafter.
If you are struggling with an infertility diagnosis, you don’t have to lose hope. Our Northern Louisiana fertility expert will partner with you to determine any existing issues and build a custom fertility treatment plan. Call our office for questions about female reproductive surgery or to schedule an appointment.