This is a surgical, minimally invasive method of treating resistant Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. The main indication for ovarian diathermy is a lack of response by a patient with PCOS to the use of simple ovulatory medications like clomephine citrate. Holes are drilled into both ovaries under Laparoscopic guidance, using diathermy or laser.

Ovulation rates following this procedure is in the region of 80% and a significant fall in the high levels of LH is noticed in all these women. Mean percentage of pregnancies after surgery varies 40-50%. Lower abortion rates were noted.

Comparison of gonadotropin stimulated cycles before and after ovarian drilling revealed significantly higher rates of Ovulation and pregnancy after Ovarian drilling as well as significant reduction in the number of ampoules effective dose needed and duration of the stimulation period with the effective hormone dosage. These results indicate an increased ovarian sensitivity to godadotropins after laparoscopic ovarian drilling

The effect of laparoscopic ovarian drilling are not temporary as women have been evaluated for upto 72 months after surgery and found to have achieved successful pregnancies.

Complications of laparoscopic ovarian drilling are few and far between.

Formation of adhesions between ovary and surrounding areas like bowels has been noticed. All studies agree that adhesions do not exclude the possibility of pregnancy.

Other rare complications are over destruction of ovaries caused by excess use of diathermy. This may lead to Premature Ovarian Failure.