LOD Procedure: Stimulate Ovaries for Fertility

1. Laparoscopic ovarian drilling (LOD) is a surgical procedure done to stimulate ovulation in women with PCOS (Polycystic ovary syndrome).
2. PCOS is a common condition that causes irregular periods like heavy menstruation or even no menstruation. PCOS primarily affects younger women and teenage girls.
3. LOD is a surgical option for women who cannot ovulate even after medical therapy or lifestyle changes like weight loss.

Laparoscopic ovarian drilling (LOD) is a surgical procedure done to stimulate ovulation in women with PCOS (Polycystic ovary syndrome).

1. PCOS is a common condition that causes irregular periods like heavy menstruation or even no menstruation. PCOS primarily affects younger women and teenage girls.
2. LOD is a surgical option for women who cannot ovulate even after medical therapy or lifestyle changes like weight loss.

1. Laparoscopic Ovarian Drilling (LOD) is done in women with PCOS who are not ovulating even after fertility medicines and weight loss.
2. It is not clear why women with PCOS ovulate after ovarian drilling or wedge resection. After surgery, ovulation occurs spontaneously in 70-90% of women and the possibility of pregnancy after twelve months is in the region of 40-60%. 
3. With this procedure, there is no increased chance of multiple pregnancies or OHSS. If ovulatory cycles neglect to restore, after this laparoscopic surgery, a gynaecologist may restart ovulation induction. In a recent study, as much as 20 years after laparoscopic drilling indicates the persistence of ovulation over a long time.

Procedure Description

Your surgeon will:

1. Inject general anaesthesia and make a small cut on the abdomen.
2. Place a tube to inflate the belly with CO2 (carbon dioxide) to insert a laparoscope (viewing instrument) and view the internal organs without damage.
3. Insert surgical instruments through the same cuts.
4. Use laser or electrocautery (electrically heated instrument) to make small holes in the ovaries.

What to expect before Surgery?

1. Before the surgery, your doctor will:
2. Discuss and answer all your queries and concerns related to the surgery.
3. Tell you to stop taking blood-thinning medicine (aspirin, warfarin) or other medicines.

What to expect on the day of Surgery?

1. You will have to sign an informed consent form.
2. What to expect during Surgery?
3. Position during LOD:
4. You will be placed in the Trendelenburg position (you will lie on your back on the table, and the table is declined from the head region at 20o).

What to expect during Surgery?

Position during LOD:

You will be placed in the Trendelenburg position (you will lie on your back on the table, and the table is declined from the head region at 20o).

Cleaning and draping:

Proper draping and cleaning will be done to prevent infection and protect your privacy and comfort.

When to Consult a Doctor?

Possible side effects that can normally occur after the surgery are:

1. Bleeding from the surgical area
2. Side effects of anaesthesia
3. Pain
4. Risk/complications of the surgery:
5. Internal bleeding
6. Accidental injury to the blood vessel or internal organs caused by the surgical instruments or laparoscope
7. Scarring or adhesion between the fallopian tubes and the ovaries inside the body
8. Sequelae of infection:
9. There are chances of infection in the wound area.