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Laparoscopy – Ovarian Drilling for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
About Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormone disorder in women. Women who have PCOS usually complain of irregular or missed menstrual period or a long time between periods. They may also be overweight, have increased hair growth (hirsutism), or difficult to get pregnant.
Application of Laparoscopic Ovarian Drilling
In general, using ovulation induction medication is the first line treatment in PCOS. If this is unsuccessful, doctor may consider performing ovarian drilling for patient. Laparoscopic ovarian drilling is a therapeutic surgery which helps women ovulate (release eggs) and increases the chance of becoming pregnant naturally.
Surgical Procedures
Laparoscopic ovarian drilling is a surgical procedure in which small holes are punctured into the ovaries (using a special cauterizing instrument) so as to stimulate ovulation and normalize hormone secretion from the ovaries. Doctor usually performs 4-10 punctures to stimulate ovulation.
Success Rates
According to the published studies, around 70% to 80% of patients restore regular ovulation after surgery, and the natural pregnancy rate is around 50% to 60%. Compared to other treatments, this surgery does not increase the risks of multiple births or ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).
Follow Up and Treatment after Surgery
Women after surgery should maintain a healthy lifestyle including a healthy diet, regular exercise and weight control. If ovulation does not occur after surgery, doctor may advise patients to have medication as supplementary treatment.
Risks and Complications
Laparoscopy is minimally invasive and fairly safe surgical procedure. Complications after a laparoscopy are rare, but can include bleeding, infection, anesthetic complications, and accidental damage to nearby organs (bowels, bladder, ureters and blood vessels). If the complication does occur, an open surgery (laparotomy) might have to be performed. However, the complication rate is very low. Apart from anesthetic and general surgical risks, complications after laparoscopic ovarian drilling such as adhesions of fallopian tubes or ovaries and ovarian failure are far less severe when compared to performing ovarian wedge resection.