Ovarian drilling for PCOS

Overview
Ovarian drilling (also known as modified wedge resection or “whiffle ball” surgery) is a type of surgery intended to restore regular periods and improve fertility in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Ovarian drilling may be considered in cases where fertility medications have been ineffective.

What does it involve?
In some women with PCOS, the outer surface of the ovaries is thickened. Ovarian drilling penetrates the thickened layer, which results in decreased testosterone production. The goal of ovarian drilling is to restore regular menstruation and improve chances for pregnancy.

You will be under general anesthetic for ovarian drilling surgery. During ovarian drilling surgery, the surgeon will make one or more small incisions (laparoscopy) in the lower abdomen and near the navel. The surgeon will insert a camera and other tools and make several small holes in the ovary using a laser or electrosurgical knife.

Recovery
After ovarian drilling surgery, you can expect to leave the hospital the same day. You should be able to return to your normal activities within a few days to two weeks after surgery.

Results
According to studies, approximately 50 percent of women who undergo ovarian drilling become pregnant in the first year after having the procedure.

Constraints
Any surgery carries risks including blood clots, blood loss, infection, breathing problems, reactions to medication, and heart attack or stroke during the surgery.

Ovarian drilling may result in adhesions (scar tissue) that interfere with getting pregnant.

If too much ovarian tissue is destroyed during ovarian drilling surgery, you may enter menopause at a younger age than you would have otherwise.

Ovarian drilling is not a cure for PCOS. Your PCOS symptoms may not improve after undergoing ovarian drilling.

For more details about this treatment, visit:
Ovarian Drilling for Infertility – American Society for Reproductive Medicine
https://www.asrm.org/FACTSHEET_Ovarian_Drilling...

Laparoscopic Ovarian Drilling (Ovarian Diathermy) for PCOS – WebMD
http://www.webmd.com/women/laparoscopic-ovarian...