Examination of Tissue
Examination of endometrium [consultation]
During the menstrual cycle, the lining of the uterus undergoes changes. Useful supporting information for fertility treatment can be obtained through examining the endometrium.
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A coloured endometrium biopsy under the microscope. |
By means of a gynaecological examination, a small biopsy of the endometrium is obtained via a narrow aspiration device, which is inserted into the uterus through the cervix. Then the endometrium can be examined, to see if it has developed well.
Sometimes you will need a blood test before the biopsy is removed, in order to determine precisely which stage of your menstrual cycle you are at (see
practical information for examinations). The endometrium tissue is then sent through to the pathology lab in UZ Brussel. There tests are performed to determine whether there is a biological discrepancy between the stage of your cycle (the biopsy is taken on day 18) and the tissue.
An endometrium biopsy is performed in the CRG for the following indications:
- if ultrasound indicates insufficient development of the endometrium;
- if implantation of the embryo fails after several IVF attempts.
Biopsy of ovarian tissue [operation | hospitalization]Information regarding procedures under local or general anaesthetic. |
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The removal of ovarian tissue is a seldom performed operation via
laparotomy under general anaesthetic. It is sometimes performed in order to determine whether there are sufficient maturable eggs present in the ovaries.
However the main reason for doing this procedure is to preserve fertility when undergoing chemotherapy for cancer treatment. Healthy ovarian tissue is removed and stored prior to the commencement of treatment. When the treatment is over and the woman is declared healthy, it may be possible to restore her fertility by re-implanting the tissue which was removed. See
storage of ovarian tissue for further information.