Laparoscopic Ovarian Drilling

Ovarian drilling, done during laparoscopy, is a procedure in which a laser fibre or electrosurgical needle is used to puncture the ovary a few times making small holes. This treatment results in a dramatic lowering of male hormones within days and is performed in women who have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Studies have shown that a small subset of women will benefit from such treatment. Many women who fail to ovulate with therapy will respond when these medications are reintroduced to the system after ovarian drilling.

This surgery is done using a laparoscope, which is a slender, fiber-optic tube equipped with a miniature camera, lights and surgical instruments inserted through few small cuts ranging from 5mm to 1 cm in length in the abdominal wall. After a small incision is made in or above the belly button, carbon dioxide gas is introduced to distend the abdomen. Laparoscope is put in and additional smaller cuts are made under vision to introduce surgical instruments.