 |
 |
|
The Reproductive Surgery Program at Reproductive Associates of Delaware
The Physician Team Approach
Following their intensive fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania with some of the leaders in laparoscopic pelvic microsurgery, Drs. McGuirk and Feinberg have formulated a unique approach to laparoscopic fertility evaluation. Whereas much of the fertility care field has become focused primarily on IVF (In Vitro Fertilization), it has been known for many years that detailed laparoscopic evaluation and treatment often makes IVF unnecessary. Drs. McGuirk and Feinberg operate together on all cases at the Christiana Care / Medical Center of Delaware SurgiCenter, providing their patients with a modern state-of-the-art approach to laparoscopic microsurgery. Detailed Evaluation and Treatment of the Fallopian Tubes In many cases, the ends of the Fallopian tubes have subtle but correctable problems such as adhesions, agglutinations, and small cysts. Correction of these abnormalities can dramatically improve tubal function, and help patients achieve pregnancy. Adhesions around the Fallopian tube (peritubal adhesions) also can impair tubal function, and can be corrected. Likewise, adhesions between the tubes and the ovaries are very amenable to microsurgical repair. Endometriosis: Detailed Evaluation and Aggressive Laparoscopic Treatment It is becoming clearer in the fertility field that detailed evaluation and aggressive treatment of endometriosis has significant benefits for our patients. Published studies in the New England Journal of Medicine indicate a doubling of pregnancy rates within the first few months following laparoscopic treatment of endometriosis. The physician operating team of Drs. McGuirk and Feinberg allow for extremely detailed assessment of the pelvis for any subtle evidence of endometriosis. If found, the use of laser ablation and bipolar fulguration equipment can be safely used to remove endometriosis. Laparoscopic tubal reanastomosis (reattachment) Many couples seek our care for surgical reattachment of previously ligated (cut) Fallopian tubes. A new technique using laparoscopy allows Drs. McGuirk and Feinberg to reattach these tubes without the need for a large abdominal incision. This technique allows couples an important option for restoring fertility, without the immediate need for IVF. The success rate of this technique can be as high as 80%. The first pregnancy in Delaware from this procedure is healthy and ongoing, and occurred through the efforts of the physician surgical team at Reproductive Associates. When IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) Becomes Necessary Not all patients can be helped by laparoscopic surgery. As such, the physicians will then make a clearcut recommendation for IVF as the next best option. The reason for this is that the chances of achieving a pregnancy with a very scarred or damaged pelvis becomes very low. In many patients with this problem, IVF can offer a good prognosis for achieving pregnancy. In addition, we find that patient well-being is much improved when they are provided a clear diagnosis and understanding of their fertility problem. Recovery and Scheduling of Laparoscopic Surgery All patients are offered scheduling that is convenient to their needs. The physicians are generally scheduled to operate at the Christiana Care SurgiCenter towards the end of each work week. As such, most women can recuperate easily over a weekend, and return to work the following Monday. All patients are called by the physician during the evening immediately following the laparoscopy, and all patients are seen for a post-op visit one week following the procedure. At that time, a plan is discussed for moving forward with further evaluation or treatment. Press Releases | Reproductive Surgery | Statistics | In Vitro Fertilization | What's New Reproductive Associates of Delaware Phone (302) 623-4242 |