Ovarian Drilling
A laparoscopic surgery that punctures small holes in the ovaries to reduce androgen production in PCOS.
Ovarian drilling is a minimally invasive procedure performed under general anesthesia in which a surgeon uses a laser or electrosurgical needle to create 4–10 small punctures in each ovary. This destroys a portion of androgen-producing ovarian tissue.
The goal is to lower elevated testosterone and androgen levels in women with PCOS who have not responded to oral ovulation induction medications like letrozole or clomiphene.
Studies show ovarian drilling can restore regular ovulation in 50–80% of PCOS patients, and the effects may last 6–12 months. It is less commonly used since gonadotropin injections became more refined.
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