Laparoscopic Characterization of Women with Infertility: A Retrospective Analysis

Background: Diagnostic laparoscopy has emerged as a vital component in the evaluation of infertility, offering a comprehensive view of the pelvic cavity and its contents. We sought to evaluate the role of laparoscopy in guiding further management and treatment decision for infertile women. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed diagnostic laparoscopy data of women evaluated in our fertility clinics for inability to conceive spontaneously. The study focused on the patients seen between January 2020 and December 2024. Results: Of the 472 infertile couples who attended fertility clinics during the study period, 332 women had diagnostic laparoscopy and 307 women had complete documentation in their case notes. A total of 239 women had primary infertility and 68 had secondary infertility. Mean age was 30.4 years and mean duration of infertility was 6.5 years. Abnormal laparoscopic findings were noted in 78% of the women. Tubal factor was seen in 32.8%, 20.6% had endometriosis, 19.6% had ovarian factor, 17.6% had pelvic adhesions and 9.8% had fibroid uterus. Conclusion: We concluded that diagnostic laparoscopy is an invaluable tool in the diagnosis of pelvic pathologies in infertile women. Inclusion of diagnostic laparoscopy in the diagnostic workup of infertile women could help in early diagnosis of the underlying cause and position women to achieve their reproductive goals. We therefore recommend that diagnostic laparoscopy be considered for all infertile women, as it offers a wealth of information that can inform treatment decisions and improve patient care.