Laparoscopic ovarian biopsy in seventy-one amenorrhoeic patients.

During laparoscopy we performed 132 ovarian punch biopsies in seventy one amenorrhoeic patients. With increasing experience, laparoscopic ovarian biopsy is a valuable element in the examination of amenorrhoeic patients. Biopsy specimens with an edge length of 4-5 mm for surface and depth can be obtained during laparoscopy under general anaesthesia without any great risk or difficulty. When performed bilaterally, it provides a representative picture of the cellular structure and function of the ovaries and thus makes a contribution to the prognosis of a disturbance in the endocrine regulating-circuit of ovarian function. In addition, the ovarian biopsy provides information about the basic gonadotrophic situation of the patient as a longitudinal section. It should be included in the synopsis of all endocrine and genetic parameters of a patient, particularly in clinic in which the morphological substrate of disturbed functions and apparent diseases is still examined.