Surgery
Infertility Surgery at Our Raleigh or Durham, NC Center
In addition to the full spectrum of fertility services offered through Duke University’s Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, we offer many surgical procedures.
Our physicians at our Raleigh and Durham, NC offices have particular expertise with laparoscopy, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and tubal re-anastomosis. Being in a university environment gives us unparalleled access to an outstanding anesthesia department as well as specialists from a wide range of other fields of medicine if needed.
Below you will find an introduction to our facilities as well as the individual procedures offered. For a discussion of your individual options, please schedule an appointment with one of our physicians by calling 919-572-HOPE (4673).
Facilities
We perform our Infertility Surgery at one of two facilities in Raleigh or Durham, NC depending on the nature of the case.
Procedures requiring an inpatient stay are usually performed at Duke University’s main operating facility located within Duke University Hospital. This facility is equipped to handle the full spectrum of gynecologic procedures including major cases, laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, and microsurgery.
The majority of the cases performed at Duke University Hospital are considered major cases. These include hysterectomy and some of the myomectomy procedures.
For cases that are likely to allow discharge on the same day of surgery or that require only a single night stay, the Ambulatory Surgery Center is frequently used.
The facility offers state-of-the-art operating rooms combined with very attractive patient care areas. The patient rooms for overnight stays rival modern upscale hotels.
Pre-Surgery
Once your surgery has been scheduled and you and your physician have discussed the operation to be performed, you will be scheduled for a preoperative appointment.
At this appointment you will have an exam and blood work, sign the consent paperwork, and meet with someone from anesthesia. Any specific instructions prior to surgery will be reviewed during this time.
You will also be given contact information for surgery scheduling. Your arrival time will be established the working day prior to the procedure.
Post-Surgery
Following your surgery your recovery time will vary depending on the procedure performed.
Most laparoscopy cases are done as same-day surgeries. Myomectomies and tubal reversals are most often done as extended outpatient procedures. This simply means the patient remains overnight but is not admitted as an inpatient (this allows for a significant cost savings).
Following your procedure you will be given written discharge and post-operative instructions. Activities and diet are limited by your level of comfort. Start slowly and gradually progress your level of activity as tolerated.
Laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, and dilation and curettage procedures have quicker recovery times than more major procedures. You should be able to resume driving within 24 hours, provided you are not taking medications that impair your abilities to drive.
The major procedures involving a laparotomy (large incision in the abdomen) will require a longer time of recovery. Do not attempt driving for up to four weeks.
Follow-up visits are usually scheduled at the time your surgery is scheduled. They will range from one to four weeks after your surgery depending on the procedure and availability of appointments.
Helping patients from Raleigh, Durham, Apex, Cary, Chapel Hill, Fayetteville, South Boston, VA, Danville, VA and nationwide realize their dream of having a family. Contact us online or at 919-572-HOPE (4673) to get started today.
