Endoscopic surgery can counter impediment to pregnancy

Kolkata, Aug 7 (UNI) Modern technological advancements in the field of endoscopic surgery have spelt new hope for the women unable to conceive because of bilateral Fallopian tube blockage or uterine tumour.

''The rate of pregnancy is assessed at around 60-70 per cent among the patients undergoing such fertility enhancing endoscopic surgeries,'' Gynaecologist, laparoscopic surgeon and infertility specialist Dr Abhinibesh Chatterjee said here yesterday, adding that out of total cases of infertility in the world, 30-40 per cent were attributed to tubal blockage.

The technique involves passing a camera inside the womb (hysteroscope) and then inserting a soft guide wire to negotiate through the opening of the tube in the womb. Afterwards, its passage is followed in tube through laparoscopic (camera through the belly button) guidance, Dr Chatterjee explained.

''Even big tumours of the womb measuring 10-15 cm in diameter can be removed through the laparoscope,'' he informed.

Previously, such operations were done by laparotomy causing a lot of bleeding, pain, lengthy recovery and adhesions affecting future fertility.

However, the invention of motor morcellator, the instrument which cuts the big tumour into small pieces so that they can be taken out through the key-hole, has simplified the procedure.

In this way, laparoscopic myomectomy has become a very rewarding procedure with quick recovery, minimum blood loss and good pregnancy rate, according to the gynaecologist.

The endoscopic surgeries for curing bilateral Fallopian tube blockage and uterine tumours cost around Rs 18,000 and Rs 35,000 respectively. The latter involves a stay at hospital for three to five days for treatment and seven to ten days rest at home.

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