Does laparoscopy still has a role in modern fertility practice?

More than 3 decades after the introduction of in vitro fertilization (IVF) and despite the improved success rates of assisted reproductive technologies, the argument for performing laparoscopy as a part of the infertility workup still stands.

To evaluate the role of laparoscopy±hysteroscopy in diagnosis and management of infertility in our setting in view of modern fertility practice.

This case control study was carried out on 600 infertile women subjected to laparoscopy or combined laparoscopy and hysteroscopy at endoscopy unit in Minia University Hospital, Egypt during the period from January 2012 to December 2014.

The causes of infertility as identified by laparoscopy±hysteroscopy were polycystic ovary syndrome (25.1%), tubal factor (30%), uterine cause (4%), and endometriosis (2.7%). No cause was identified in 38.2% of cases. Based on operative findings, women were treated with different options. Expectant management was used in 92 cases (15.3%). Ovulation induction with anti-estrogens or gonadotropins was used in 372 cases (62%). Sixty cases (10%) had intrauterine insemination and sixty four cases (10.7%) underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF) / intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatment. Within 1 yr after laparoscopy, 180 cases achieved pregnancy (30%). The most favorable outcome was recorded in women with unexplained infertility (36.7% of cases got pregnant) followed by women with polycystic ovary syndrome (27.8%). Participants with uterine and tubal infertility factor achieved pregnancy in 25% and 22.8% of cases, respectively. The worst outcome was recorded in women with endometriosis.

Laparoscopy still has an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of infertility.