Reproductive surgery
Encyclopedia
Reproductive surgery is using surgery
in the field of reproductive medicine
. It can be used for contraception, e.g. in vasectomy
, wherein the vasa deferentia
of a man are severed, but is also used plentifully in assisted reproductive technology
.
A reproductive surgeon is an ob-gyn
or urologist who specializes in reproductive surgery.
and vas deferens obstruction, or reversing a vasectomy by a reverse vasectomy
.
Surgical sperm retrieval is an alternative means of semen collection
, where other means are not possible, e.g. in posthumous sperm retrieval
.
(ART), surgeries on the fallopian tubes and ovaries have decreased. Reproductive surgery in women has largely been complementary to other ART methods such as medication, except for in tubal infertility, where surgery remains the main treatment.
Surgery
Surgery is an ancient medical specialty that uses operative manual and instrumental techniques on a patient to investigate and/or treat a pathological condition such as disease or injury, or to help improve bodily function or appearance.An act of performing surgery may be called a surgical...
in the field of reproductive medicine
Reproductive medicine
Reproductive medicine is a branch of medicine that deals with prevention, diagnosis and management of reproductive problems; goals include improving or maintaining reproductive health and allowing people to have children at a time of their choosing...
. It can be used for contraception, e.g. in vasectomy
Vasectomy
Vasectomy is a surgical procedure for male sterilization and/or permanent birth control. During the procedure, the vasa deferentia of a man are severed, and then tied/sealed in a manner such to prevent sperm from entering into the seminal stream...
, wherein the vasa deferentia
Vas deferens
The vas deferens , also called ductus deferens, , is part of the male anatomy of many vertebrates; they transport sperm from the epididymis in anticipation of ejaculation....
of a man are severed, but is also used plentifully in assisted reproductive technology
Assisted reproductive technology
Assisted reproductive technology is a general term referring to methods used to achieve pregnancy by artificial or partially artificial means. It is reproductive technology used primarily in infertility treatments. Some forms of ART are also used in fertile couples for genetic reasons...
.
A reproductive surgeon is an ob-gyn
Obstetrics and gynaecology
Obstetrics and gynaecology are the two surgical–medical specialties dealing with the female reproductive organs in their pregnant and non-pregnant state, respectively, and as such are often combined to form a single medical specialty and postgraduate training programme...
or urologist who specializes in reproductive surgery.
In assisted reproductive technology
Reproductive surgery is used for treating e.g. fallopian tube obstructionFallopian tube obstruction
Fallopian tube obstruction is a major cause of female infertility. Blocked fallopian tubes are unable to let the ovum and the sperm converge, thus making fertilization impossible. Fallopian Tubes are also known as oviducts, uterine tubes, and salpinges .-Types:About 20% of female infertility can be...
and vas deferens obstruction, or reversing a vasectomy by a reverse vasectomy
Reverse vasectomy
Vasectomy reversal is a term used for surgical procedures that reconnect the male reproductive tract after interruption by a vasectomy. Two procedures are possible at the time of vasectomy reversal: vasovasostomy and vasoepididymostomy...
.
Surgical sperm retrieval is an alternative means of semen collection
Semen collection
Semen collection refers to the process of obtaining semen from domestic animals or humans with the use of various methods, for the purposes of artificial insemination, or medical study . Semen can be collected via masturbation, prostate massage, artificial vagina, penile vibratory stimulation and...
, where other means are not possible, e.g. in posthumous sperm retrieval
Posthumous sperm retrieval
Posthumous sperm retrieval is a procedure in which spermatozoa are extracted from a man after he has been pronounced legally brain dead. There has been significant debate over the ethicality and legality of the procedure, and on the legal rights of the child and surviving parent if the gametes are...
.
Trends
Albeit an increase in overall use of assisted reproductive technologyAssisted reproductive technology
Assisted reproductive technology is a general term referring to methods used to achieve pregnancy by artificial or partially artificial means. It is reproductive technology used primarily in infertility treatments. Some forms of ART are also used in fertile couples for genetic reasons...
(ART), surgeries on the fallopian tubes and ovaries have decreased. Reproductive surgery in women has largely been complementary to other ART methods such as medication, except for in tubal infertility, where surgery remains the main treatment.