This is an operation requiring general anaesthetic to correct situations where the sperm/egg transport mechanism through the tubes is disturbed known as "tubal infertility". Such operations are done to repair a blocked or damaged fallopian tube, or to divide adhesions or remove lumps in the pelvis which may be distorting or interfering with the course of the tube.
The success of the surgery is determined by the extent of the damage. If the tube is blocked at its end and particularly if it is swollen (called a hydrosalpinx), surgical treatment is very unlikely to be successful. Removal of the hydrosalpinges is recommended before IVF treatment.
Surgical treatment is normally carried out by "key hole" surgery - laparoscopy. This may be day case surgery or require overnight stay.
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