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The Muasher Center
for Fertility and IVF
8501 Arlington Boulevard, Suite 500
Fairfax, Virginia 22031

Ph. 703.876.6311
Fx. 703.876.6317

Laparoscopy

The laparoscopy is an important diagnostic test which allows the physician to visualize the reproductive organs within the pelvic cavity. It is performed as a hospital outpatient procedure under general anesthesia. Two small incisions are made in the abdomen, one at the belly button and one above the pubic bone (at the pubic hair line).

In the laparoscopy, a small "telescope" is inserted through one of the incisions and the surgical tools are passed, and operated, through the other. The abdomen is filled with gas which allows the physician to clearly view the surfaces of the internal organs such as the ovaries, tubes, and uterus.

Many times our patients have already had one or more laparoscopies by the time they seek specialist care. Laparoscopy for the diagnosis and treatment of infertility should always be performed by a reproductive specialist who has extensive training and experience in microsurgery, such as Dr. Muasher.

The incidence of complications from laparoscopy, such as scarring or adhesions,may be less when a specialist performs the laparoscopy. It is oftentimes possible to treat conditions, such as endometriosis, during the diagnostic laparoscopy. The operating surgeon must have the skills necessary to perform the complex surgery that is often required.

Studies indicate that the presence of very small amounts of endometriosis in the pelvic cavity can reduce IVF success rates by creating a hostile inflammatory environment. The reproductive surgeon must exercise painstaking care to remove all endometriotic lesions.