Ovarian drilling: What you should know?

Ovarian drilling is generally known as laparoscopic ovarian drilling is a surgical treatment given to women who have PCOS – Polycystic ovary syndrome to trigger ovulation. This is an optional surgery provided to women who are seen struggling to ovulate even after losing weight and taking fertility medicines.

How is ovarian drilling done?

Ovarian drilling is normally done through a small incision, a laparoscopy, after giving general anaesthesia. The surgeon performing the operation makes a small incision (cut) in the abdomen and then inflates the abdomen using a small amount of carbon dioxide gas so that he or she can have a clear vision inserting the laparoscope which will not damage the internal organs. The surgeon may insert other surgical instruments through the same incision or other small incisions in the pelvic area.

Why is ovarian drilling done?

Laparoscopic ovarian drilling is an optional method used for women with PCOS who do not ovulate even after weight reduction and taking fertility medications.

Risks of ovarian drilling:

  • Infection of the Incision.
  • Internal or bleeding from the Incision
  • Pain after the surgery, because of inflating the abdomen.
  • Injury to internal organs or major blood vessels (accidentally).

Advantages of ovarian drilling:

The major advantage of this ovarian drilling is it is cost-effectiveness and reduces the risk of undergoing multiple trials of ovulation inductions. It also has lower rates of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and multifetal gestation. This treatment includes only singular surgery (treatment) and can be performed as an out-patient procedure.