Laparscopic Ovarian Drilling for
Infertility Treatment
Why has my doctor suggested I have ovarian drilling? Laparoscopic ovarian drilling is a surgical procedure that can stimulate ovulation in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) who are trying to get pregnant. Laparoscopic ovarian drilling changes the women’s hormone balance so that she can shed an egg (ovulation) each month.
What is Ovarian Drilling? Ovarian Drilling is a surgical procedure done through keyhole (laparoscopic) surgery. The procedure is carried out in the day surgery unit under general anaesthetic. It takes around 30 minutes to complete. It involves inserting a laparoscope through a small incision in your tummy button (umbilicus) measuring 1 cm in order to visualise your womb and ovaries. Two instruments are then inserted through additional incisions in your abdomen measuring 0.5 cm to manipulate your ovaries and to make four to six holes in each ovary using an electric current.
Are there other alternatives to Ovarian Drilling? The alternatives to ovarian drilling are stimulation of your ovaries using fertility drugs or hormone injections such as Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) as part of IVF treatment. Your doctor will discuss this with you.
How long do I have to stay in hospital and when can I get back to work? Everyone recovers at a different rate. Ovarian drilling is a routine day case operation and most patients can go home the same day. Very rarely would you have to stay in hospital overnight. Most women are back to normal physical activity including gentle exercise after five days.
What are the benefits/advantages of Ovarian Drilling and how successful is it? Approximately 80% of patients who underwent ovarian drilling resumed ovulation, while nearly 50% were able to become pregnant within six months. You are less likely to have twins or triplets compared to other fertility treatments (which can be as high as 10%).
What are the risks of Ovarian Drilling? Laparoscopic ovarian surgery is very safe. However; there are risks associated with laparoscopy such as infection, injury to bowel or bladder or large blood vessels and bleeding. If this happens, the operating surgeon may have to make a cut on your abdomen (laparotomy) to repair the damage. If this happens you will need a
Laparscopic Ovarian Drilling for Infertility Patient Information Treatment
prolonged recovery period in hospital and at home. There is a small risk of adhesions forming (scar tissue) on the ovary and affecting your egg reserve and early ovarian failure.
Where is the evidence of Ovarian Drilling success? The National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommends ovarian drilling and its advice can be viewed on their website www.nice.org.uk
How long will I have to wait for my operation? Because the procedure is part of the NHS funded treatment, you will be added to the gynaecology waiting list. The hospital cannot guarantee when you will be operated on, but we do work to national referral to treatment timelines.
What happens after my operation? You will be discharged from the day surgery unit on the day of your operation once the nursing staffs are happy that you have recovered from the procedure. This means you will be pain free, that your observations are normal (blood pressure, pulse, temperature and respiratory rate) and you have passed urine. The surgeon uses a dissolvable stich to close your abdominal incision. However these stiches dissolve slowly so you may want to make an appointment with the practice nurse at your General Practitioner’s surgery between day three to five, to have them removed.
When you feel fully recovered, you should resume sexual intercourse. Please keep a record of when your periods start. If you miss a period do a pregnancy test. You will be given a form so you can have a blood test done to measure your progesterone level. This needs to be done seven days before the second period after your operation. If your periods are irregular, you won’t be able to do this. Don’t worry, because you will be followed up in the fertility clinic around three months following your operation and your management reviewed by the doctor. If there is evidence that you are ovulating, you will be asked to keep trying to conceive naturally for up to six months. If you do not conceive the next step in the treatment process is to undergo IVF.
From 1st January 2019 smoking will not be permitted on any NHS site in England. Smoking will not be permitted within any of our buildings or anywhere outside on our sites. Smoking facilities will not be provided. Please be considerate of others when vaping in hospital grounds.
This information sheet is available to order in other languages and formats. If you would like a copy, please contact us on 01793 604031 or email [email protected] Document Control Division: Women & Children’s Department: IVF Approved Date: 26 July 2019 Next Review Date: August 2022 Document Number: W&C - PIL0076
Page 2 of 2