Laparoscopic treatment of polycystic ovarian syndrome

Laparoscopic techniques show a number of advantages in comparison with the classic ovarian wedge resection for the treatment of PCOD. An equally high ovulation rate is achieved with less trauma, and fewer postoperative adhesions result in a higher pregnancy rate. The procedure may be done on an outpatient basis with reduced operative and recovery time. No clear advantages have so far been shown to exist for any of the available techniques, i.e. laparoscopic biopsy, electrocautery, and the four laser systems (CO2, Nd-YAG, argon, KTP). It appears, however, that the laser techniques will be the methods of choice for the future. They combine optimal precision of operation handling with maximal safety and excellent bleeding control. With laparoscopic biopsy traumatic bleedings may occur, which can occasionally be difficult to control. With electrocautery, burns due to the uncontrolled effect of electric current have been described. Optimal application of the laser techniques requires extensive personnel training and experience. The laser equipment requires considerable capital expenditure of the order of 20,000-70,000 pounds. The exact mechanism by which induction of ovulation and regular cycles are induced is yet unknown. Alteration of the ovarian surface including the underlying tissue particularly the atretic follicles leads to a significant postoperative change of the pathophysiological mechanism. The following factors are postulated to be responsible for postoperative ovulation: 1. The drainage of the follicular fluid which contains high androgen levels results in an acute reduction of the intraovarian androgen level. 2. With coagulation and/or vaporization of the atretic follicles androgen production is significantly limited. 3. This localized reduction of androgen decreases their inhibitory effect on follicular maturation. 4. Lowered androgen levels result in diminished peripheral conversion of androgen to oestrogen and decreased positive feedback on LH production. 5. The secondary reduction of ovarian inhibin permits a rise of FSH secretion which results in a normal LH:FSH ratio.