Laparoscopic Hysteroscopy and Sonohysterography - Fertility Treatment

Understanding the laparoscopic hysteroscopy and Sonohysterography, it's important to break down the medical terminology. Laparoscopy is a specialized procedure that utilizes a laparoscope to view internal organs. The laparoscope is a very thin tube with a camera attached to one end. Utilizing fiber optic instruments and video cameras, pictures from the end of the thin tube or laparoscope are transmitted onto monitors that a doctor, surgeon or technician can see. Laparoscopic procedures are often involved in fertilization procedures as well as in hysterectomies.

A hysteroscography defines a procedure through which a doctor or surgeon can view the interior of the uterus or uterine cavity through endoscopy and gynecologic sonography (graphy defines ‘pictures’ or images). The hysteroscope is similar to a laparoscope, carrying light and optical channels or fibers. The end of scope itself is a specially designed instrument with a light attached to one and for easy viewing of internal organs and surfaces. Endoscopy utilizes natural openings in the body, including the cervix, the rectum, or the mouth.

Sonohysteroscopy is a technique more commonly known as a fluid contrast ultrasound. Ultrasound is a medical technology utilizing an instrument that can visualize sound waves of internal structures. The sonohysteroscopy is an effective method in evaluating the health and suitability of the uterus prior to fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization and embryo transfers.

Two forms of hysteroscopy procedures are generally conducted; diagnostic hysteroscopy and operative hysteroscopy. Diagnostic hysteroscopy is an approach used to diagnose issues in the uterus. The diagnostic hysteroscopy is also often utilized to confirm test results. During the procedure, the endoscope, the slender tube fitted with a camera at one end) is inserted into a small incision in the lower abdomen so that the doctor can see the reproductive organs, including uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries.

The patient is given either a sedative or an anesthetic, depending on situation. The hysteroscope is inserted into the vaginal opening and beyond the cervix. Following insertion, the uterus is expanded through insertion of a liquid solution or carbon dioxide gas to help improve the view as well as clear away any bodily fluids that may interfere with the view of the organ. The light at the end of the tube is turned on, enabling the surgeon to view the field on a monitor or screen in the surgical suite. If needed, surgery can be performed a laparoscopy, or through the hysteroscope, depending on situation.

The operative hysteroscopy is a procedure utilized to repair a number of conditions of the uterus, including fibroids and polyps, adhesions, or malformations of the uterus. Benefits of hysteroscopy include but are not limited to increased recovery time, shorter hospital stays, reduced pain, and reduced chance of infection.

The sonohysteroscopy procedure, also called fluid contrast ultrasound, is, like hysteroscopy, a brief procedure that doesn't typically last longer than 15 to 20 minutes. Functioning much like sonar, gynecological ultrasounds are very common in evaluating female reproductive organ conditions such as ovarian cysts or uterine fibroids. The sonohysteroscopy or fluid contrast ultrasound procedure also enables fertility experts and gynecologists to evaluate the health of the lining of the uterus known as the endometrium as well as determine the presence of abnormalities in the uterine cavity.

Much like the hysteroscopy, the sonohysteroscopy is performed by inserting the end of a catheter into the vagina and to the cervix, or the opening of the womb. After the catheter is in place, the ultrasound probe is then inserted into the vaginal canal and sterile solution is to slowly inserted into the uterus while the technician or gynecologist or fertility experts looks at the uterus through the use of ultrasound. Measurements are taken and the health and wellness of the uterus is evaluated.

In the United States, the cost of the sonohysteroscopy procedure averages about $1,500, while a hysteroscopy procedure averages about the same. Additional costs are accrued if a surgical procedure follows such diagnostics, including removal of fibroids, adhesions, or various repairs to the uterus.

Obstetricians and gynecologists are trained to implement the initial treatments of infertility using hysteroscopy and sonohysterography techniques. Such a physician or fertility specialist should be board certified in reproductive endocrinology and infertility. Couples should find specialists who are a member of endocrinologist organizations or technologies. As such, they have completed medical school programs, followed by four years of residency training in obstetrics and gynecology, and then, two to three years of training in fertility within an approved program that results in board certification.