Fembryo Fertility & Gynaecology Clinic

Endoscopic Surgery

We offer the full range of endoscopic surgeries, including endoscopic, laparoscopy, and hysteroscopy surgery on-site at our clinic theatre or at one of our associated hospitals.

Advanced Endoscopic Surgery for Gynaecological Issues

One of the techniques we use at Fembryo to help women overcome infertility is a technique called endoscopy and/or endoscopic surgery.

Our experts can do minimally invasive surgical procedures by using an endoscope, a small tube with a light, a camera, and/or microscopic surgical equipment on the end, to inspect the pelvic region or inside the uterus for any abnormalities.

Endoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique that can be used to treat general gynaecological problems.

Conditions such as myomas or fibroids can be treated by endoscopic surgery. This surgery can also be used for the diagnosis of the causes of infertility and pelvic pain. Laparoscopic surgery can be used for hysterectomies, as well as diagnostic (to examine the pelvic organs) and operational (to treat problems using surgical procedures) treatments.

Types of advanced endoscopic surgery

In terms of fertility, two main forms of endoscopy are used:

Diagnostic surgical procedures performed at Fembryo fertility and gynaecology clinic

We provide the whole spectrum of reproductive surgery, including hysteroscopic excision of fibroids/polyps, laparoscopic myomectomy, laparoscopic treatment of all grades of endometriosis, and reanastomoses of the Fallopian tubes following sterilisation.

Diagnostic and surgical laparoscopy

Laparoscopy enables the surgeon to perform minimally invasive surgery. The reproductive specialist can, with the help of special lenses with fiber optic light sources, diagnose pelvic pathology under magnification. When necessary , these conditions can be treated surgically without a large wound (laparotomy).

Other common conditions treatable with endoscopy are ovarian cysts, tumours and tubal conditions (peritubal adhesions, hydrosalpinx and previous tubal ligation due to sterilization procedures, which can be reversed in some cases.)

Laparoscopic surgery is performed on the pelvic organs to diagnose and treat various forms of infertility. Gyneacological laparoscopy is frequently employed in instances or suspected instances of:

  • Abdominal adhesions
  • Removal/biopsy of ovarian cysts (cystectomy)
  • Tubal patency checks
  • Endometriosis surgery
  • Caesarean section scar / uterine niche defects
  • Laparoscopic hysterectomies
  • Sterilisation reversals

Hysteroscopy

What are the advantages of Endoscopy Laparoscopy and Hysteroscopy?

Direct visualization of the inner cervix and the endometrial cavity is possible by inserting a camera and lens (Hysteroscope) into the uterus to diagnose and treat uterine abnormalities such as uterine septums, polyps, and fibroids or benign uterine muscle tumours in the wall or cavity. These fibroids or septae may result in either infertility or recurrent pregnancy loss.

A woman’s ability to conceive may be hampered by abnormalities in her fallopian tubes, ovaries, the exterior surface of the uterus, and pelvis, which can be directly seen during a laparoscopy. Additionally, it offers the chance to address various issues concurrently (eg. adhesiolysis, cystectomy, PCO drilling, myomectomy, fulguration of endometriotic spots, etc). Laparoscopic surgery recovery is substantially quicker than open surgery recovery (laparotomy)

Hysteroscopy enables direct visualisation of uterine anomalies that could prevent implantation. Additionally, it is feasible to simultaneously address these anomalies (eg. septoplasty, adhesiolysis, myomectomy, polypectomy, etc).

Hysteroscopic Surgery

In particular, hysteroscopic surgery involves examining or operating on the uterus or uterine cavity. Gyneacological hysteroscopy is widely utilised in instances or suspected instances of:

 

  • Congenital uterine anomalies (reproductive defects present from birth)
  • Uterine polyps
  • Uterine fibroids
  • Uterine adhesions / Asherman’s Syndrome

When is a Laparoscopy advised?

Laparoscopies are advised in the following cases:

  • Symptoms suggestive of pelvic infections, history of previous pelvic surgery, or previous ectopic pregnancy
  • Symptoms suggestive of endometriosis (dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, chronic pelvic pain)
  • Abnormal tubal tests (SIS/ HSG)
  • Suspicion of genital tuberculosis
  • Unexplained Infertility
  • Repeated IUI failures (generally 2 to 3-cycle failure)
  • Peritoneal factors (endometriosis, pelvic/adnexal adhesions) may cause or contribute to reproductive failure. Laparoscopy with a direct visual examination of the pelvic reproductive anatomy is the only method available for specific diagnosis and treatment of otherwise unrecognised peritoneal factors.

When is Hysteroscopy advised?

Hysteroscopy are advised in the following cases:

  • Suspected uterine anomalies (eg. septate uterus, bicornuate uterus, etc.)
  • Intrauterine adhesions
  • Submucosal fibroids
  • Intrauterine polyps
  • Repeated implantation / IVF failures

Benefits of endoscopic surgery

Compared to conventional or “open” operations and diagnostic procedures, laparoscopic and hysteroscopic surgery offers a number of advantages. These consist of:

  • Fewer complications because the surgeon can see the entire procedure and area in detail and there is less scarring and no need for stitches.
  • Less invasive procedures, or “keyhole” surgeries.
  • A more precise diagnosis.
  • Less painful than conventional surgeries
  • Accelerated recovery times
  • If necessary, the surgeon can begin therapeutic procedures immediately during the diagnostic procedure.
  • Significantly reduced chances of infection

What to expect when undergoing endoscopic surgery

It’s crucial to keep in mind that every situation is different and that not everyone responds to anesthesia and surgery or recovers from them the same way. Your experience could be influenced by your age, physical condition, and general health.

Depending on the procedure you’re having, you may need to take a few days off work to recover from laparoscopic operations, which are carried out under general anesthesia.

You can typically return home the same day after minor laparoscopic diagnostic or therapeutic procedures, but you’ll need a driver and somebody to keep an eye on you overnight.

For more complex procedures, like a laparoscopic hysterectomy, you’ll need to spend the night at the facility and may need to take a week or more off work to recover.

Your fertility doctor will go over all the specifics of your surgery or diagnostic procedure with you before it is performed, including how many incisions will be made, when you can resume showering, and whether you need to fast or refrain from drinking liquids for the 24 hours prior to the procedure.

You won’t often need to stay overnight if you have hysteroscopic surgery, which is carried out with no anesthesia (only local sedation to numb the cervix). You should be able to go back to work in a day or two.

The majority of hysteroscopic treatments only last 5 to 30 minutes, and all that is necessary is to take a moderate painkiller after the surgery.

Laparoscopy and hysteroscopy may have complications, just like any medical surgery, which our skilled fertility surgeons will go over with you before your procedure.

 

Why choose Fembryo Clinic for your endoscopic surgery?

We at Fembryo Clinic are very proud of our best-practice, research-based treatment.

Our fertility specialists, procedures, and services are world class standard.

Our fertility specialists are leaders in endoscopic surgery in the Eastern Cape with years of experience and dedication to advanced training, both abroad and locally. We introduced the internationally developed practice of Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) principles early on into gynaecological surgery in our local hospitals and have since improved patients’ experience of major surgery significantly. It is now well established practice that patients undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomies may be discharged within 24 hours after admission post surgery. 

The benefit of key hole (Endoscopic) surgery together and as part of ERAS, significantly reduces post operative pain, nausea, blood loss, infection and risk of blood clots.

Early mobilization, normal diet within 2 hours post theatre and pelvic floor physiotherapy, together with careful tissue handling through microsurgical technique, all contributes to happy patients and satisfied care givers.