Wedge resection and electrodiathermy in PCOS

Wedge resection of the ovaries became unfashionable as a means of treating infertile PCOS patients once clomiphene was introduced. The procedure restored ovulation in about 70% of cases but consequent bleeding, scarring and adhesions resulted in blockage of the fallopian tubes.

Electrodiathermy and laser treatment have been performed successfully in PCOS patients without the post-operative complications of wedge resection

• in women who do not ovulate with clomifene therapy, the method appears as effective as gonadotrophin therapy in increasing pregnancy rates and is less likely to result in a multiple pregnancy
• it can be the treatment of choice after clomifene in a woman who in any case needs a laparoscopy for assessment of her Fallopian tubes (1)

Reference:

1. Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin (2004); 42(4):28-32.