Microsurgery of the fallopian tube with the carbon dioxide laser: eighty-two cases with follow-up

In 1974 the carbon dioxide laser was adapted to the operating microscope for reconstructive pelvic surgery and the first 15 cases of laser tubal microsurgery were performed. The instrumentation and techniques were refined. A protocol was designed to test the efficacy of this surgical modality, and a new study was begun in 1980. Complete documentation of laparoscopic findings, surgical techniques, and pre- and postoperative hysterosalpingograms are kept on videotapes. Detailed descriptions of the surgical techniques employed in these cases are presented in this paper. Preliminary results are reported in terms of patency and pregnancy rates experienced to date. Eighty-two women experienced fertility enhancement laser microsurgery at the Reproductive Biology Center at F. Edward Hebert Memorial Hospital in New Orleans. Bilateral patency or patency of the only existing fallopian tube was demonstrated postoperatively in 93% of the cases. Eliminating the women practicing contraception, those on postoperative Danazol therapy for endometriosis, male factors, or other reasons for women or their partners being not at risk, conception has occurred 21 times among 20 of 42 patients at risk. Many of the women were referral cases who had had unsuccessful microsurgery or were rejected for microsurgery by their physicians due to extensive disease. These results indicate that the carbon dioxide surgical laser may be a useful adjunct in reconstructive microsurgery for fertility dysfunction.