Laparoscopy for infertility: keyhole surgery for the pelvis
Laparoscopy for infertility is keyhole surgery that uses a camera inserted near the navel to look at the uterus, tubes and ovaries. It can confirm and treat endometriosis, adhesions or cysts, and test whether the tubes are open, under general anaesthesia.
- Anaesthesia
- General
- Cuts
- 2–3 small cuts
- Hospital stay
- Usually same day or overnight
- Recovery
- About 1–2 weeks
What is laparoscopy for infertility?
Laparoscopy is keyhole surgery of the abdomen and pelvis. Through a small cut at the navel, a camera shows the outside of the uterus, the fallopian tubes and the ovaries in detail, which no scan can fully match.
In fertility care it is used to diagnose and treat endometriosis, remove adhesions that bind the tubes or ovaries, deal with ovarian cysts, and check tube function with dye. Because it is surgery under general anaesthesia, the decision is weighed against simpler tests and against going straight to IVF.
Who Laparoscopy may help
- Suspected endometriosis with pain or infertility
- Possible blocked or damaged tubes
- Ovarian cysts or adhesions
- History of pelvic infection or surgery
Good to know. It is surgery, so it is not used just to check tubes when a simpler HSG or HyCoSy will do. For older women or those with low egg reserve, going straight to IVF may be better.
How to prepare
- Pre-operative tests usually include blood tests and an anaesthesia check.
- Fast for the time advised before surgery.
- Arrange for someone to take you home and help for a day or two.
- Ask whether the surgery could affect your ovarian reserve, especially if cysts will be removed.
The laparoscopy procedure, step by step
Pre-operative check
Blood tests and anaesthesia review.
Procedure
Gas gently lifts the abdominal wall so the surgeon can see; instruments pass through small cuts.
Tube test
Dye can be passed through the cervix to check the tubes.
Treatment
Endometriosis, adhesions or cysts may be treated at the same time.
Recovery
Most go home the same day or the next.
What to expect
- Shoulder-tip pain from the gas is common for a day or two.
- Avoid heavy lifting for about two weeks.
Recovery
- Shoulder-tip pain from the gas is common and settles in a day or two.
- Keep the small wounds clean and dry; stitches usually dissolve.
- Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for about two weeks.
- Seek help for fever, increasing pain, vomiting or redness around the wounds.
Benefits, limitations and risks
Benefits
- Diagnoses and treats endometriosis and adhesions
- Checks tubes directly
- Small scars and faster recovery than open surgery
Limitations
- General anaesthesia and surgical risks
- Ovarian surgery may lower egg reserve
- For some couples, IVF is a quicker route to pregnancy
Risks and side effects
- Risks of general anaesthesia.
- Rare injury to the bowel, bladder or blood vessels.
- Ovarian surgery can reduce egg reserve — ask how this will be minimised.
What affects success
Treating mild to moderate endometriosis at laparoscopy can modestly improve natural pregnancy chances. Results depend on what is found and on age.
Alternatives to discuss
What affects the cost of Laparoscopy in Bangalore
- Hospital and theatre charges
- Anaesthesia
- Extent of treatment needed
Before you start, ask for a written, itemised estimate that lists what is included and what could cost extra, such as medicines, freezing, storage and add-ons. Prices vary widely between clinics and cities. Estimate your costs with our calculator.
Questions to ask your doctor
- What do you expect to find, and what will you treat?
- Could surgery on my ovaries lower my AMH?
- Would IVF be a better first step for us?
Frequently asked questions
What is the recovery time after laparoscopy for infertility?
Most people go home the same day or the next, feel much better within a week, and return to normal activity in about one to two weeks.
How long does it take to recover from laparoscopy?
Most people feel normal within one to two weeks. Your surgeon will advise on work and exercise.
Can laparoscopy improve fertility?
It can, when it treats a problem such as endometriosis or adhesions. It is not a fertility treatment in itself.
Will I have scars?
Two or three small scars, usually one at the navel and others low on the abdomen.
How soon can we try for pregnancy after laparoscopy?
Often from the next cycle, once you have recovered. Your surgeon will advise based on what was done.
Can laparoscopy remove endometrioma cysts?
Yes, but removing ovarian cysts can reduce egg reserve, so the benefits and risks need careful discussion.
Not sure if Laparoscopy is right for you?
See a fertility doctor at an IVF Pulse centre in Bangalore: Kalyan Nagar (HRBR Layout), RR Nagar and Rajajinagar (at Tamara Hospital). Nothing to pay when you book, and you can change the time on WhatsApp.
