Physicians who became members prior to 1989 were admitted based on their training and experience in reproductive surgery before formal fellowship training was established. In properly selected patients, reproductive surgery can correct anatomic abnormalities and restore normal reproductive function so that pregnancy can occur naturally. The risks are those of any surgery, such as bleeding, infection, and anesthesia complications. Specific risks during laparoscopy include injuring the intestine or urinary tract. During hysteroscopy or falloposcopy, there is the potential risk of uterine perforation.
Tubal pregnancy is a delayed risk of tubal surgery.
Insurance coverage for any medical treatment or surgical procedure varies among insurance plans. Ask your insurance carrier or health care agent what types of reproductive treatments are covered and what types are excluded from coverage in your insurance policy. Many companies resist covering new treatments, but several states have now passed laws mandating coverage of infertility. In most states, if a specific treatment or disease condition is not excluded from coverage, then the insurance plan is responsible for providing appropriate insurance coverage. Gary S. Berger, M.D., is director of the Chapel Hill Fertility Center, Chapel Hill, N.C., and clinical associate professor of obstetrics, University of North Carolina.