Role of laparoscopic ovarian drilling in polycystic ovarian syndrome and its effect on ART

Abstract

Surgical ovarian wedge resection was the first reputable treatment for women with anovulation, amenorrhea, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), but was largely discarded both due to the risk of postsurgical adhesions and the introduction of medical ovulation induction treatment. However, women with PCOS who are treated with medical ovulation induction, with drugs such as gonadotropins, often have an excess formation of follicles, which may result in ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and multiple pregnancies. Moreover, gonadotropins, even though are effective, are expensive and time-consuming and their use requires exhaustive monitoring. Surgical therapy with laparoscopic ovarian "drilling" (LOD) may avoid or reduce the need for medical ovulation induction or may facilitate its usefulness.