Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Surgery

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Surgery

Surgical treatment is occasionally used for women with infertility caused by polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) who do not start ovulating after taking medicine. During surgery, ovarian function is improved by reducing the number of small cysts.

Surgery Choices

• Ovarian wedge resection is the surgical removal of part of an ovary. This is done to help regulate menstrual cycles and start normal ovulation. It is rarely used now because of the possibility of damaging the ovary and creating scar tissue.
• Laparoscopic ovarian drilling is a surgical treatment that can trigger ovulation in women with PCOS who have not responded to weight loss and fertility medicine. Electrocautery or a laser is used to destroy portions of the ovaries. Studies of women with PCOS have reported that ovarian drilling results in an 80% ovulation rate and a 50% pregnancy rate,¹¹ but other studies have shown less success. Younger women and those with a body mass index in the normal range are most likely to benefit from laparoscopic ovarian drilling.¹³

What To Think About

There is no known cure for PCOS. Surgery for PCOS may be recommended only if you have not responded to any other treatment for PCOS. Each woman will want to discuss the risks and benefits of this surgery with her doctor. Surgery is less likely to lead to multiple pregnancies than taking fertility medicines. It is not known how long the benefits from surgery will last. There is some concern that ovarian surgery can cause scar tissue, which can lead to pain or more fertility problems.

Last updated:	January 23, 2008
Author:	Kathe Gallagher, MSW
Reviewed By:	Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine, Samuel S. Thatcher, MD, PhD - Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Endocrinology
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC