Surgery for Recurrent Miscarriage

Doctors at NYU Langone’s Fertility Center and NYU Langone Reproductive Specialists of New York sometimes recommend surgery to diagnose and treat conditions that can lead to recurrent miscarriage. These may include endometriosis, fibroids, and congenital problems of the uterus, such as a uterine septum, which is an irregularly shaped uterus with two cavities instead of one.

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Hysteroscopy

During a hysteroscopy, a doctor inserts a small, lighted hysteroscope through the vagina and into the uterus to remove fibroids or polyps that can lead to miscarriage. These growths may damage the lining of the uterus, where the embryo implants. 

If scar tissue is removed, estrogen may be prescribed to help rebuild the lining of the uterus with healthy tissue.

Performed in the hospital with general anesthesia, a hysteroscopy also enables a doctor to identify a malformed uterus, which can be corrected through surgery. This is a same-day procedure and requires a day or two of recovery time.

Laparoscopy

Laparoscopy is used to remove endometrial growths, fibroids, and pelvic adhesions, which can lead to miscarriage. A doctor inserts a thin, lighted scope and other surgical instruments into small incisions in the abdomen, then removes any growths. 

The procedure is performed with general anesthesia in the hospital. You can go home the day of the procedure and expect to return to your normal activities in 10 to 14 days.

Hysteroscopic Metroplasty

Hysteroscopic metroplasty, a type of reconstructive surgery, enables a doctor to correct an irregularly shaped uterus. Some women have a uterine septum, in which a band of tissue forms in the middle of the uterus, raising the risk of miscarriage by interfering with the proper development of the baby and the placenta. This is diagnosed with hysteroscopy.

During this surgery, which is performed in the hospital with general anesthesia, a doctor inserts a hysteroscope into the uterus and then removes the band of tissue using microscissors, electrosurgery, or a laser. Typically, you can leave the hospital the same day, and recovery typically takes a few days. 

Your doctor may recommend waiting one to two months before trying to conceive again.