Surgery:Long-term follow-up in 206 infertility patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome after laparoscopic electrocautery of the ovarian surface

Abstract

In recent publications we have demonstrated that laparoscopic electrocautery of the ovarian surface (LEOS) is an effective method to reduce serum androgen concentrations, normalizing ovarian cycle length and the ovarian reaction to hormonal stimulation therapy in anovulatory patients with polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD). In this paper we show that these effects are not only temporary. Data from 206 patients undergoing LEOS and monitored for up to 72 months after surgery are evaluated; 145 patients achieved a total of 211 conceptions, giving a pregnancy rate of 70%, with a maximum of four conceptions in one patient. There were 38 early miscarriages (18%) and two late pregnancy losses as well as three ectopic implantations.