A reproductive surgeon is an obgyn specifically trained in the surgical correction of anatomical disorders that affect reproductive function. Fertility surgery may be performed through a major surgical procedure, termed laparotomy, or a relatively minor surgical procedure, termed endoscopy.
In a laparotomy procedure, an incision is made in the lower abdomen, which enables the surgeon to have direct access to all structures of the pelvis. This procedure requires hospitalization and a four to six week period of recovery.
Fertility surgery may also be conducted through endoscopy, which is an outpatient procedure. Endoscopy involves the use of either a laparoscope (a small telescope inserted into the abdominal wall) or a hysteroscope (a small telescope inserted within the uterine cavity). Endo surgical procedures are usually performed on an out-patient basis.
Patients experiencing infertility may have a blockage of the fallopian tubes either at their insertion into the uterus (proximal occlusion) or at the ends (fimbria) of the fallopian tubes. To successfully reopen a fallopian tube, tuboplasty (surgery on the fallopian tubes) may be performed via laparotomy or laparoscopy.
If the obstruction is present at the proximal (where the fallopian tube inserts into the uterus) portion of the fallopian tube, success in opening the tube may be accomplished by hysteroscopy, an outpatient procedure. In this procedure, the blocked proximal portions of the tubes may be opened with a thin dilator. If the distal (farthest) portion of the fallopian tube is blocked, it may be opened either through microsurgery or by laparoscopic surgery.
Patients who have had their fallopian tubes tied or cauterized may, for a variety of reasons, wish to restore their fertility. This may be accomplished by a procedure performed on the fallopian tubes termed tubal reanastomosis.
During fetal development, abnormalities of the uterus, fallopian tubes, or vagina may occur. Such malformations may contribute to infertility, severe pelvic pain, or recurrent pregnancy loss. Dr Kaufmann has vast experience in surgically correcting these problems. Many procedures can be performed on an outpatient basis.
Infertility or pelvic pain may be the result of scar tissue that has developed from previous abdominal or pelvic surgery, endometriosis or pelvic infections. In the majority of cases, adhesiolysis (removal of scar tissue) may be performed in our surgical outpatient unit via laparoscopy. Scar tissue that has developed within the uterine cavity may also be removed via hysteroscopy performed as an outpatient.
Approximately 30 percent of patients will have leiomyomata uteri (fibroid tumors). Fibroid tumors may be asymptomatic or may cause excessive uterine bleeding, recurrent miscarriages, pain, pressure, or severe anemia. Dr Kaufmann and Dr. Patel excel in removing fibroid tumors via laparoscopy, laparotomy, or, in select cases, by outpatient hysteroscopy.
Endometriosis is a common cause of infertility. Up to 40 percent of patients with infertility may have this condition. Endometriosis is also one of the most common causes of severe pelvic pain in women of reproductive age and may cause severe pelvic adhesions. In addition, endometriosis involving the bladder or bowel may trigger progressive gastrointestinal and urinary problems. Treating endometriosis can be done via medication or through laparotomy or laparoscopy.
817-348-8145
1800 Mistletoe Blvd.
Fort Worth, TX 76104 USA
Fort Worth Fertility serves the communities of Fort Worth, Dallas, Arlington, Grand Prairie, Haltom City, Richland Hills, North Richland Hills, Southlake, Lewisville, Mesquite, Grapevine, Abilene, Weatherford, Stephenville, Keller, Denton, Waco, Grandbury, Burleson, Crowley, Cleburne, Mansfield, Benbrook, Mineral Wells, Glen Rose, Hurst, Bedford, Azle, Lake Worth, Colleyville, Euless and Decatur.