Female microsurgery

What is female microsurgery?

Female microsurgery refers to a specialized surgical technique that uses high-powered microscopes, precision instruments and sutures thinner than a human hair to perform intricate procedures on female reproductive organs. This type of surgery is usually reserved for women who have conditions such as infertility, endometriosis, fibroids or other gynaecological disorders.

 In general, female microsurgery offers minimally invasive options with little scarring compared to traditional surgery methods. This means less pain and quicker recovery times for patients undergoing these procedures.

How can microsurgery help with infertility?

Microsurgery is a surgical technique that uses specialized instruments and microscopes to perform delicate operations with high precision. In the field of reproductive medicine, female microsurgery can be used to treat infertility caused by various conditions

  • Tubal Ligation: this involves reconnecting the severed ends of the fallopian tubes. This procedure may allow women who have previously undergone sterilization to conceive naturally again.
  • Ovarian cystectomy: this which involves removing benign cysts from the ovaries without affecting their ability to produce eggs. This procedure can help improve fertility in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or other types of ovarian cysts.
  • Uterine fibroid removal and treatment of endometriosis: these conditions are known to cause infertility by interfering with a woman's reproductive organs' normal function.
  • Repairing blocked fallopian tubes: the surgeon will use tiny instruments and magnification to remove any blockages in your tubes, allowing eggs and sperm to meet naturally.
  • Ovarian tissue freezing: During this process, a small piece of ovary tissue is removed from the patient's body and frozen in liquid nitrogen until it's needed later.

Female microsurgery offers a minimally invasive way to address reproductive issues that may impact a woman's chances of conceiving naturally. It has shown promising results and improved outcomes for many couples struggling with infertility.

Which type of doctor performs female microsurgery?

Female microsurgery involves delicate and intricate procedures that require specialized skills and knowledge. As such, only highly trained medical professionals can perform this type of surgery. Typically, female microsurgery is performed by: 

  • Gynecologic oncologists: they are obstetricians/gynaecologists who have undergone additional training in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of cancers affecting the female reproductive system. They are experts in surgical techniques like laparoscopic surgery and robotic-assisted surgery.
  • Reproductive endocrinologists: they specialize in fertility issues and hormonal disorders affecting women's reproductive health. They have extensive experience in performing minimally invasive surgeries to correct structural problems that affect fertility.

Both types of doctors possess expertise in their respective areas of specialization that makes them uniquely qualified to perform female microsurgeries with precision and care.

Note: Not all surgeons have the necessary skillset required for these complex operations; therefore, it's essential to choose an experienced surgeon who specializes specifically in female microsurgeries when considering any procedure related to your reproductive system.

Risks and Benefits

What are the risks of female microsurgery?

Like any surgical procedure, female microsurgery carries risks. However, the risks associated with this type of surgery are generally low and manageable.

  • Infection: One potential risk is an infection at the incision site or inside the body. To reduce this risk, surgeons take great care to maintain a sterile environment during surgery and prescribe antibiotics before and after the procedure.
  • Bleeding: Although rare, excessive bleeding can occur during or after surgery. Surgeons may need to perform additional procedures to address this issue.
  • Scar tissue formation: This can cause pain and discomfort in some patients but can often be treated with medication or further surgical interventions.
  • Allergy: As with any medical intervention, there's also a small chance that general anaesthesia could cause complications such as an allergic reaction or breathing problems.

 It's important for patients undergoing to thoroughly discuss these risks with their doctor beforehand so they have a complete understanding of what to expect both during and after the operation.

What are the benefits of female microsurgery?

Female microsurgery offers a range of benefits for women who require specialized treatment for reproductive health issues.

  • One of the most significant benefits is that it is a minimally invasive procedure that uses small incisions and precise instruments, resulting in less pain, scarring, and downtime compared to traditional surgery.
  • Another benefit of female microsurgery is its high success rate. The use of advanced technology allows doctors to perform delicate surgeries with greater accuracy and precision than ever before. This means that women who undergo these procedures are more likely to achieve positive outcomes, such as improved fertility or relief from chronic pelvic pain.
  • In addition to its technical advantages, female microsurgery also enables doctors to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions affecting the female reproductive system. For example, it can be used to remove fibroids or ovarian cysts, repair damaged fallopian tubes or uterine tissue, or correct structural abnormalities that may hinder conception.
  • Perhaps most importantly, female microsurgery gives women hope when they may have otherwise felt helpless about their medical conditions. It provides them with access to cutting-edge treatments that can help restore their quality of life and give them the best possible chance at achieving their desired outcomes.

What is the success rate of female microsurgery?

Female microsurgery has proven to be very effective in treating infertility issues in women. With its high success rate of 53-70% and minimal risks, it is no surprise that more and more women are turning to this procedure for help.

  • However, it is crucial to remember that every case is unique and requires an individual approach. Before undergoing any surgery, make sure you have consulted with a qualified specialist who can assess your specific situation and provide the best possible treatment plan.
  • If you are considering female microsurgery as an option for overcoming infertility, we encourage you to do thorough research on reputable clinics specializing in this field. With the right care and expertise from experienced professionals, there's no reason why you shouldn't be able to achieve your dream of starting or growing your family.

Recovery

How much time does it take to recover from female microsurgery?

Recovering from female microsurgery usually varies depending on the type of procedure undergone. Generally, most women can expect to recover within a 6 weeks after their surgery.

  • After undergoing laparoscopic surgery, patients are typically discharged from the hospital after 4-5 days and allowed to rest at home. Recovery time for this type of surgery is relatively short with most women resuming normal activities within two to three days.
  • On the other hand, abdominal surgeries such as hysterectomy or myomectomy have longer recovery periods that range between four and six weeks. It's essential during this period that patients avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity until they receive clearance from their medical team.
  • Women who undergo microsurgical tubal reversal may experience mild discomfort after surgery but can return to work in just a few days post-operation. However, it is recommended that you abstain from sexual intercourse for at least one week following your surgical procedure.

 While each woman’s situation is unique, following your surgeon's instructions closely will help ensure satisfactory results while minimizing your recovery time. Remember always talk to your doctor if you have any concerns regarding recovery time or potential complications following a female microsurgery operation.

Key Takeaway:

  • Female microsurgery is a specialized surgical technique that uses high-powered microscopes, precision instruments and sutures to perform delicate procedures on female reproductive organs.
  • This type of surgery is used to treat infertility, endometriosis, fibroids or other gynaecological Minimally invasive with little scarring, microsurgery offers quicker recovery times for patients.
  • The recovery period after microsurgery ranges from a few days to two weeks, and risks include infection, bleeding, scar tissue formation, and general anesthesia complications.
  • The success rate of female microsurgery is high, and it has shown promising results and improved outcomes for many couples struggling with infertility.
Frequently asked questions:
  1. is microsurgery painful?
  2. How long does microsurgery take?
  3. Which is better microsurgery or open surgery?
Reference
  1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7004708/
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1439888/
  3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3168447/
  4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22433341/
  5. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/myomectomy-hysteroscopic-laparoscopic-abdominal#:~:text=Recovery%20after%20abdominal%20myomectomy%20takes,recovery%20by%20walking%20each%20day.
  6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12308839/#:~:text=The%20anastomosis%20of%20the%20Fallopian,with%2043%25%20with%20traditional%20surgery.
Dr Purva Singh
MBBS MS OBGYN
IVF Specialist