Laparoscopic Ovarian Drilling

Laparoscopic ovarian drilling is a surgical treatment that may be recommended in women with PCOS if drug treatment fails. It is done laparoscopically by making small holes in the ovarian coating or capsule with a laser or cautery needle. This procedure yields positive effects while preserving much of the ovarian tissue.

The procedure is now be done by cautery, diathermy or laser vaporization with a laparoscope, and can be performed in conjunction with a diagnostic laparoscopy.

How It Works
Risks/Side Effects
Results

How It Works

While how this procedure works is not fully understood, it may be that post-operative normalization of the luteinizing hormone (LH) to follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) ratio and the emergence of a dominant follicle signify that the surgery was a success.

Risks/Side Effects

Laparoscopic ovarian drilling is considered surgery and comes with the associated risks. Risks include infection, bleeding from the incision, internal bleeding, injury to organs or blood vessels from the instruments used in the procedure, reactions to anaesthesia, internal adhesions or scarring, and post-operative pain.

Your healthcare provider will discuss important safety information with you about this procedure.

Results

In some women ovulation resumes permanently, while others ovulate intermittently and then return to a state of anovulation. Some don’t respond at all.

The success rate varies with laparoscopic ovarian drilling depending on the technique used, but improved rates of ovulation and pregnancy are reported.