Polycystic ovary syndrome treated with laparoscopic ovarian drilling with a harmonic scalpel. A prospective, randomized study.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the endocrinologic profile and reproductive outcome after laparoscopic drilling using a harmonic scalpel for polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) in clomiphene-resistant infertile women.

STUDY DESIGN

We performed a prospective, randomized study of 34 infertile women with PCOS. Group A (17 women) underwent laparoscopic ovarian drilling using a harmonic scalpel laser. Group B (control group, 17 women) underwent laparoscopic ovarian drilling using a neodymium-yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser. Change in the hormonal profile after surgery, ovulation rate and pregnancy rate were compared between groups A and B.

RESULTS

LH and testosterone serum levels and the LH-FSH ratio showed a statistically significant reduction after surgery, and the spontaneous ovulation rate was 94% in both groups. The cumulative pregnancy rates within two years of follow-up were 77% in group A and 60% in group B.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic ovarian drilling using a harmonic scalpel is an effective treatment for PCOS in clomiphene-resistant, anovulatory women: it results in ovulation and conception without major complications.