The doctors at South Jersey Fertility Center provide the highest quality fertility care available anywhere.  Our physicians have been recognized as Top Doctors by either South Jersey Magazine or SJ Magazine every year since 2005.  In fact, South Jersey Fertility Center has more Top Doctor awards than any other fertility provider in South Jersey. These awards are important because they recognize quality physicians by asking local doctors who they would refer patients or family members to, and they ask patients who they believe are the best doctors in the area.

This year, Dr Skaf won honors from South Jersey Magazine both as a “Best Women’s Doctor” and “Top Physician” as determined by “Best Doctors” an independent health-care rating organization.  Drs. Van Deerlin, Sawin and Packin won “Top Physician” honors from South Jersey Magazine in the Reader’s Choice category, and “Top Doc” honors from SJ magazine which surveys local physicians.  Congratulations to our SJFC doctors!

Dr Skaf has been awarded “Best Doctor” in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility by the Courier Post, “Top Physician” by South Jersey Magazine in 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2010,  Best Women’s Doctor by South Jersey Magazine in 2010, and a “Top Doc” by SJ magazine in 2005, 2006 and 2008.

Dr. Van Deerlin was selected as a “Top Doc” by SJ Magazine in 2007, 2009 and 2010 and “Top Physician” by South Jersey Magazine in 2007, 2008 and 2010.

Dr. Sawin was selected as a “Top Physician” by South Jersey Magazine in 2008, 2009 and 2010 and as a “Top Doc” by SJ Magazine in 2009 and 2010.

Dr. Packin has been awarded “Top Doc”  honors by SJ Magazine in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2010.  He has also been named a “Top Physician” by South Jersey Magazine in 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010.

“Permanent” sterilization by tubal ligation is the most common form of contraception in women age 30 and older. In women, the tubal ligation involves obstructing the mid-portion of the fallopian tube (the duct through which the egg must travel to reach the uterus). Once the tube is obstructed, the sperm cannot reach the egg to fertilize it. Various methods have been used to ligate (tie) tubes, such as elastic bands, small metal clips, suturing, and burning with electrical cautery.

Fortunately this form of contraception can often be reversed by a procedure called Tubal Reversal. Another option  is In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF). Each of these two options has its advantages and disadvantages. It is up to the individual or couple to decide which option best fits their lifestyle once they understand the medical pros and cons.

Sterilization reversal surgery for women is highly successful if a sufficient length of tube remains on both sides of the ligation. Often the operative report from the tubal ligation procedure is useful in identifying candidates who do not have a good chance for successful reversal. In approximately 5% of cases, the tubal reversal surgery cannot be performed due to unexpected findings in the pelvis at the time of the intended reversal surgery. These findings include scarring of the fimbriated end of the tubes or absence of the fimbria. The fimbria are the tiny finger-like structures that sweep the egg into the tube from the ovary.  If the fimbria are damaged or absent, reconnecting the tubes will still not result in a pregnancy.

We perform the tubal reversal surgery by the laparoscopic approach (through small key-hole incisions) with general anesthesia (the patient is completely asleep) at the Surgical Center of South Jersey, Mt. Laurel, NJ.  The two ends of the tubes are reconnected using very fine suture material to reduce the chance of scar formation.  The patient goes home the same day as the surgery, and can return to work  one week later.

The tubal reversal surgery requires a high level of expertise; therefore, you should choose a reproductive surgeon who has completed a fellowship in Infertility and  is board certified in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility.  Our tubal reversals are performed by Dr. Peter Van Deerlin, who is Board Certified in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, and has been doing tubal reversal regularly since 1997.  Dr. Van Deerlin has also completed a course on Advanced Laparoscopic Surgical Skills for Tubal Anastomosis at the MOET Institute (Microsurgery and Operative Endoscopy Training).

If we perform your surgery, the chance that you will have a normal pregnancy within one year of the surgery is 70%, assuming that you are under the age of 40. Women between the ages of 40 and 44, who demonstrate on a blood test that they have adequate ovarian reserve, have a pregnancy rate that is half of that. An advantage of the surgical approach is that if you successfully conceive a pregnancy, you can usually go on to have more pregnancies if your desire. Of course this could also be a disadvantage if you want to have only one more child and don’t want to have to worry about subsequent contraception. Another disadvantage is that there is a 5% incidence of tubal pregnancy following a surgical reversal. If your medical insurance doesn’t cover the tubal reversal procedure, the total cost to you is approximately $6850, which includes the procedure, anesthesia and surgical center fees.

For a comparison of tubal reversal versus IVF, see the table below.

Dr. Noorhasan joined South Jersey Fertility Center in July 2009 after completing her fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at New Jersey Medical School – University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (NJMS-UMDNJ).  Dr. Noorhasan attended the University of the Virgin Islands in her hometown of the United States Virgin Islands where she graduated Summa Cum Laude in Biology.  She was subsequently educated at Boston University School of Medicine where she received the David Rothbaum MD Award in Obstetrics and Gynecology for excellence in Obstetrics and Gynecology.  Dr. Noorhasan is conversant in Spanish after spending an extra year in Medical School doing medical missions in Guatemala and Mexico.  She completed her residency in Obstetric and Gynecology at the University of Texas, Houston.  During a busy clinical residency, she also demonstrated excellence in research receiving the Southern Medical Association Research Grant Award, first prize in the Future Residents in Obstetrics/Gynecology Conference/Resident Research Day, and the George Schneider Second Prize at ACOG District VII Annual Meeting.  Dr. Noorhasan then completed her fellowship at NJMS-UMDNJ.  During this time, she presented her research at annual meetings held by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine,  Society for Gynecologic Investigation, the Endocrine Society, and the New York Obstetrical Society.  She was also acknowledged for attending the intense 6 week research course held by Frontiers in Reproductions, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, and the highly recognized Berlex Foundation Faculty Development Workshop.  She has published several articles in Human Reproduction, Fertility and Sterility and Women’s Health Issues.  She has a special interest in minimally invasive surgery, in vitro fertilization and reproductive endocrinology.

We’re excited to announce that we have been recognized and welcomed by OptumHealth into its Reproductive Resource Services (RRS) Centers of Excellence network program. OptumHealth has provided access to clinically superior, cost-effective health care for complex medical conditions since 1986. It’s RRS Centers of Excellence network is built through quality measurement and value-driven contracting that is unique in the health care industry. Through integrated, personally-relevant health guidance, technology and services, RRS consumers are more likely to experience superior outcomes at medical centers that meet strict network criteria.

• Dr Sawin was the keynote speaker for the joint meeting of the Philadelphia Obstetrical Society and the Philadelphia Reproductive Endocrine Society in January, 2010.  His presentation “Fertility Options for Cancer Patients” was attended by OB/GYN’s and Reproductive Endocrinologists from throughout the Delaware Valley.
• On November 14, 2009 South Jersey Fertility Center, in conjunction with Virtua Health System, held a continuing medical education conference for local providers of Obstetrics and Gynecology in South Jersey.  The conference was an update on the latest innovations in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility.
• Dr. Packin, as President of the New Jersey Obstetrical and Gynecological Society, presided over the Annual Meeting in Holmdel, NJ in November, 2009.
• Dr Sawin was a recent invited participant in the “Experts in Reproductive Medicine” meeting sponsered by Schering-Plough Pharmaceuticals, which gathered experts in the field of infertility from all over the United States, to assess the “state of the art” practice of fertility care.
• Barbara Alice, APNC presented to the nurse practitioner students at the University of Pennsylvania on May 26, 2009.  The lecture focused on the evaluation of infertility, the current treatment options, and the role of Nurse Practitioners in the area of reproductive medicine.  Barbara also functions as a preceptor for nurse practitioner students for the University of Pennsylvania.
• Dr. Sawin has been invited to present a Clinical Seminar on the use of Clomid with intra-uterine insemination (IUI) at the National Meeting  of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists for the last 4 years.  He has travelled to Washington, DC in  2006, San Diego, CA in  2007, New Orleans, LA in 2008, and Chicago, IL in 2009 to give this seminar to OB/GYN’s from across the country.
• Dr Sawin lectured at the New Jersey Obstetrical and Gynecological Society Annual Meeting in Holmdel, NJ in November, 2008 on “Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Obesity and Reproductive Dysfunction.”  Dr. Packin is the Scientific Program Chair and President elect of the Society.  Dr. Sawin also gave this presentation to the Department of Ob/Gyn at Virtua Health in January, 2009.
• Dr. Sawin lectured at Virtua-Memorial Hospital in Mt. Holly on the topic of Decreased Ovarian Reserve in January and on IVF and Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis in May, 2007.
• SJFC, in conjunction with PCOStrategies, presented a Seminar on “Lifestyle Changes for patients with PCOS” at Kennedy Hospital in March 2007.  This event was well attended and focused on nutrition, exercise and a positive attitude for patients with PCOS.  Drs Van Deerlin and Sawin spoke about the medical aspects of PCOS.
• Dr. Sawin presented a community lecture on Infertility at Atlanticare’s wellness center in Egg Harbor Township in March, 2007.
• Dr Packin spoke at Kennedy Hospital about the work-up and treatment of Recurrent Miscarriage in 2006.
• Dr Skaf traveled to Syria as an invited speaker at a national medical conference.  His presentation focused on Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis and featured several of our successful cases at SJFC.

• Dr Sawin was interviewed for an article in SJ Magazine entitled “Trying to Get Pregnant? Here are the Facts on Fertility.”  The article focused on separating facts from myths about infertility.
• Barbara Alice, RN, APN-C, MSN  and the SJFC nursing staff were featured in an article in The Infertility Nurse, which is a national specialty magazine for nurses working in the Fertility field.  The focus of the article was on SJFC”s Balanced Approach to Fertility program which encompasses counseling, nutrition, accupuncture, and relaxation and medication techniques.  Pamela Pressman MEd, LPC and Barbara “Ted” Piotrowski, RN, BA, HNB-BC were also interviewed regarding the use of counseling and relaxation techniques for patients.
• South Jersey Magazine featured SJFC in an article about Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) in the November, 2009 issue.  Dr. Sawin, as director of PGD at SJFC, was interviewed for the article.
• Dr. Sawin was interviewed in the November, 2008 issue of South Jersey Magazine on the effects of body weight and stress on fertility outcomes.
• Dr. Packin was interviewed in November by Virtua Health System’s “Health Savvy” magazine regarding Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.
• Dr Van Deerlin had a featured article in the Courier Post’s “Health Tip” section in June, 2008 entitled “Information and treatments exist to address infertility” which highlighted all of the current approaches to fertility treatment.
• Dr Sawin was featured in a 2008 article in the American College of Ob/Gyn’s Annual Clinical Meeting Newsletter on a national lecture he gave on the use of Clomid with intrauterine insemination for the treatment of infertility.
• Dr Skaf was quoted in the December, 2007 issue of South Jersey Magazine, in an article chronicling a patient’s journey through the infertility process.  Dr Skaf highlighted South Jersey Fertility Center’s balanced approach to fertility care that incorporates healthy diet, stress reduction, and acupuncture.
• Dr. Sawin was quoted in the fall 2006 edition of South Jersey Magazine in an article on fertility options for patients with breast cancer.
• Drs. Sawin and Van Deerlin were featured in Virtua’s Patient Newsletter “Health Savvy” regarding Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis in 2006.  This article highlighted a couple at South Jersey Fertility Center who successfully delivered a baby utilizing PGD.  South Jersey Fertility Center is one of the first, if not the first center in South Jersey to have a baby born through the use of PGD.