Surgical NaProTECHNOLOGY Part 2: NaPro Surgical Techniques

In my last post, we discussed the basics of Surgical NaProTECHNOLOLGY, and now, we’re going to discuss more specifics of NaPro Surgical Techniques. In the world of women’s reproductive health, few approaches blend innovation, ethics, and restorative care as seamlessly as Surgical NaProTECHNOLOGY does. Developed through decades of research by Dr. Thomas Hilgers and the Saint Paul VI Institute, this surgical discipline offers a powerful alternative to conventional fertility treatments—one that respects the natural rhythms of the body while addressing a variety of complex gynecological conditions, as discussed in my previous post.

What Is Surgical NaProTECHNOLOGY?

Surgical NaProTECHNOLOGY is a specialized form of gynecologic surgery focused on restoring normal anatomy and function to the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. Unlike many modern reproductive endocrinology practices that lean heavily on birth control/synthetic hormones and in vitro fertilization (IVF), NaProTECHNOLOGY offers reconstructive pelvic surgery to treat the root causes of infertility and other reproductive disorders. The goal is a “near-adhesion free” surgical experience that eliminates pelvic adhesive disease without causing new adhesions or damaging scar tissue—a common complication in traditional surgeries that can lead to further pain and complications down the road.

Techniques That Set It Apart

Surgical NaProTECHNOLOGY uses advanced techniques that prioritize precision and minimal tissue disruption to reach the “near-adhesion free” surgical goal. These procedures are designed to not solely remove pathology, but to also restore the woman’s natural reproductive health and fertility. Common surgical techniques include:

• Near-Contact Laparoscopy: a diagnostic method that involves bringing the laparoscope extremely close to pelvic tissues, allowing surgeons to detect subtle abnormalities - like endometriosis - that otherwise often go unnoticed with conventional surgical techniques. This technique is similar to looking at something with a magnifying glass versus the naked eye - surgeons can see a lot more detail and catch things they wouldn’t without an “up close” look! For example, not all endometriosis looks the same. Some lesions can be seen with the naked eye, whereas other lesions can only be seen when looking very closely at the tissue. Endometriosis can even hide in pockets that would be overlooked without the use of near-contact laparoscopy. 

• Microsurgery and Laser Applications: These tools enable delicate manipulation of reproductive structures, reduce trauma and adhesions, and promote faster healing and better outcomes. It’s like plastic surgery for the pelvis (pelvioplasty), and aims to remove disease in a way that prevents recurrence.

• Targeted Reconstructive Procedures: NaPro-trained Surgeons perform NaPro-specialized surgical techniques to correct reproductive health conditions like:

  • Endometriosis

  • Pelvic adhesions

  • Uterine fibroids (leiomyomata)

  • Tubal occlusions

  • Ovarian cysts and polycystic ovarian disease

    
    

A Philosophy of Cooperation

At its core, NaProTECHNOLOGY is about cooperation—not control. It works in harmony with a woman’s menstrual and fertility cycles, using tools like the Creighton Model FertilityCare System to monitor hormonal patterns and guide treatment decisions. This fertility care approach empowers women with knowledge about their bodies and offers solutions that align with the moral teachings of the Catholic Church.

Why It Matters

For women facing infertility, chronic pelvic pain, or hormonal imbalances, Surgical NaProTECHNOLOGY offers hope rooted in true healing of reproductive health. It does not suppress women’s natural cycles, as unfortunately, many other conventional fertility treatments do (i.e., birth control). It’s a science of restoration, not replacement. And for many, it’s a path to healing, wholeness, and parenthood that honors both medical integrity and the dignity of human life from conception to natural death.