Fertiloscopy is a minimally-invasive technique used for investigating female infertility. It may be performed as an alternative to diagnostic laparoscopy (keyhole surgery). Fertiloscopy can be combined with other diagnostic techniques to assess the health of your ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, and surrounding tissues in the pelvis. It is also used as an operative technique to treat a number of gynaecological conditions that may impact your fertility.
Fertiloscopy has both diagnostic and therapeutic uses, meaning it can be used to investigate a condition and often treat it at the same time as the problem is diagnosed. It is an alternative to conventional laparoscopy, which involves an incision in your abdomen. Though each technique has its advantages and disadvantages, Dr Reyftmann may suggest fertiloscopy over laparoscopy in certain situations, such as if you don’t have any significant conditions affecting your pelvis.
Fertiloscopy can be used for:
Fertiloscopy is typically performed under general anaesthetic but in very select cases, Dr Reyftmann may do the procedure with local anaesthesia and mild sedation. This allows you to participate in the procedure and watch Dr Reyftmann’s progress on the monitor screen, plus supports a faster recovery.
The fertiloscope is a thin, flexible telescope-like instrument that is inserted via the vagina to be able to visualise the organs within your pelvis. Some saline solution is injected into the pelvic space, which provides a better view.
Fertiloscopy is combined with a hysteroscopy, where the scope is used to examine the inside of the uterus. The final step of a routine fertiloscopy exam is to inject a blue dye through your womb and fallopian tubes to check for blockages. If any abnormalities are detected during the diagnostic phase, Dr Reyftmann may perform surgery at the same time if appropriate, such as removing a small uterine polyp.
After your procedure, your fertiloscopy recovery period involves taking pain medication as needed and avoiding intercourse, using tampons, or swimming. Dr Reyftmann and his team will provide you with detailed post-operative instructions, including what to do if you encounter a complication.
As an alternative to laparoscopy (already a minimally-invasive keyhole procedure), fertiloscopy carries some additional advantages. It is considered to be even less invasive than laparoscopy as it doesn’t involve any incisions. Compared to laparoscopy, fertiloscopy is associated with:
In some cases, laparoscopy is still preferred over fertiloscopy as there is much higher capacity for surgical treatment with laparoscopy. Due to its nature, fertiloscopy is appropriate only for treating minor problems. Complications from fertiloscopy are extremely rare but can include bleeding, infection, accidental damage to structures inside your abdomen, or complications from the anaesthesia.
