Leading edge techniques for diagnosing and resolving infertility
Finding and correcting the causes of infertility may require fertility surgery. No one looks forward to reproductive surgery, but today’s minimally invasive techniques provide the benefits of surgery, with diminished risk, pain and recovery time. Our Austin infertility center routinely sees patients with improved fertility after surgery for endometriosis, blocked tubes or an ovarian cyst.
Dr. Anthony Propst leads our Austin infertility center in Round Rock. Dr. Propst is a board certified reproductive endocrinologist, which means that he completed advanced training as a fertility surgeon. Dr. Propst has performed hundreds of fertility surgeries over two decades, directing reproductive surgery for our country’s active military and their spouses. Demonstrating a commitment to providing comprehensive fertility surgery options, Dr. Propst is fully trained in the da Vinci minimally invasive robotic surgery system.
As you consider your fertility surgery options in the Austin and Leander area, it helps to have a checklist:
• Is the infertility center affiliated with a hospital system or surgery center?
• Is the fertility surgeon board certified as a reproductive endocrinologist?
• Is the fertility surgeon trained in robotic and other minimally invasive methods?
Your Austin infertility center guide to minimally invasive surgery
Our Austin infertility center focuses on reproductive surgery to address female causes, and refers male patients to urologists. Female infertility can have anatomical causes. Blocked tubes, an ovarian cyst or endometriosis may require surgical intervention. We also see patients who wish to get pregnant after having their “tubes tied.” Dr. Propst specializes in tubal reanastomosis (reversal) and has vast experience with both the traditional method involving a small abdominal incision and the newer microsurgical reanatomosis with the da Vinci Robotic Surgical System .
In most cases, minimally invasive surgery replaces the open approach that requires an abdominal incision and more pain and recovery time. Dr. Propst will go into greater detail in a patient consultation, but your fertility surgery options may include:
Traditional fertility surgery
Laparotomy The fertility surgeon makes an incision above the pubic bone or below the belly button in this traditional open surgery. Infertility surgeons may need to perform a laparotomy to remove a large fibroid or treat severe endometriosis.
Minimally invasive fertility surgery
Laparoscopy This outpatient procedure requires only 2-3 small incisions, and is commonly employed for diagnostic procedures in our Austin infertility center. A small operative telescopic instrument called a laparoscope can help Dr. Propst visualize problems, and take corrective action during the procedure. Women with ovarian cysts, blocked tubes or endometriosis may wake up to find their fertility has been improved during surgery.
Robotic Surgery Similar to laparoscopy, robotic surgery is minimally invasive, and requires only small incisions. Robotic surgery, or the daVinci Surgical System, equips Dr. Propst with instruments that afford him greater visualization, control and dexterity during surgery.
Many issues with female infertility come to light during in-office hysteroscopy. No incisions are required. Thin surgical tools carefully inserted through the vaginal opening enable Dr. Propst to identify and treat uterine abnormalities right in our Austin infertility center.
Deciding to partner with our Austin infertility center can significantly increase your chances for getting pregnant. In fact, many of our patients in Leander, Austin and the surroundings communities conceive on their own after fertility surgery. Contact us to learn more about minimally invasive surgery to treat infertility.