Advanced
Ovarian Drilling
Surgery in Hyderabad

What is an Ovarian Drilling?

Ovarian Drilling is a minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure performed to help women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome who struggle with irregular ovulation or infertility. Doctors usually recommend this treatment when fertility medicines and ovulation-inducing drugs fail to provide effective results. During the procedure, the surgeon creates tiny openings in the ovaries using controlled heat or laser energy. This reduces the production of excess male hormones, known as androgens, which are commonly elevated in women with PCOS. By lowering these hormone levels, the procedure can help restore regular ovulation, improve hormonal balance, and increase the chances of natural conception.
The surgery is performed under general anesthesia using laparoscopic or keyhole techniques. Small cuts are made in the abdomen to insert a tiny camera and specialised instruments, allowing the surgeon to perform the procedure with precision while causing minimal damage to surrounding tissues. Since it is a minimally invasive surgery, patients usually experience less pain, minimal scarring, shorter hospital stay, and quicker recovery compared to traditional open surgery.
Ovarian drilling is commonly advised for women who have infertility due to PCOS, absent or irregular ovulation, hormonal imbalance, resistance to fertility medications, or difficulty conceiving naturally. The procedure can help restore regular menstrual cycles, improve fertility, reduce the need for repeated fertility medicines, and support better hormonal regulation. Most women are discharged on the same day or after a short hospital stay. Mild abdominal discomfort, bloating, or fatigue may occur for a few days, but recovery is generally smooth, with most patients returning to normal activities within one to two weeks.

Types of Ovarian Drilling

Ovarian drilling can be performed using different techniques depending on the patient’s condition, fertility goals, and the surgeon’s approach. All types of ovarian drilling are aimed at reducing excess androgen-producing tissue in the ovaries and helping restore regular ovulation in women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

• Laparoscopic Ovarian Drilling (LOD) is the most commonly performed method. It is done using minimally invasive laparoscopic or keyhole surgery, where small incisions are made in the abdomen to insert a tiny camera and specialised surgical instruments. Small punctures are then created in the ovaries using controlled energy to improve hormonal balance and support ovulation.
• Laser Ovarian Drilling uses laser energy to create tiny openings in the ovaries instead of electrical current. This technique allows precise treatment with minimal damage to nearby tissues and may help reduce the risk of scar tissue formation in some patients.
• Electrocautery Ovarian Drilling involves the use of electrical cautery or diathermy energy to make small punctures in the ovaries. It is one of the most widely used techniques for women who do not respond well to fertility medications and is considered highly effective in restoring ovulation.
• Unilateral Ovarian Drilling is performed on only one ovary and may be recommended in selected cases to minimise ovarian tissue damage while still improving fertility outcomes.
• Bilateral Ovarian Drilling involves treating both ovaries and is commonly performed when ovulation problems or hormonal imbalance affect both sides. This is the standard approach for many women with PCOS-related infertility.
• Transvaginal Hydrolaparoscopic Ovarian Drilling is a less commonly used advanced minimally invasive technique performed through the vaginal route using specialised instruments. It avoids abdominal incisions and may provide quicker recovery in carefully selected patients.