Laparoscopic treatment of polycystic ovaries: is it time to relinquish the procedure?

Objective: To evaluate the role of laparoscopic ovarian drilling and treatment with metformin in the management of the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Design: A literature search was conducted using the keywords laparoscopy, laparoscopic ovarian drilling, laparoscopic ovarian diathermy, PCOS, metformin, and ovulation. The MEDLINE and EMBASE databases and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were searched. Result(s): No randomized comparisons have been done between laparoscopic ovarian drilling and metformin therapy. However, the ovulation and pregnancy rates appear to be similar for both techniques. Both treatments decrease the incidence of ovarian hyperstimulation and the cancellation rate of IVF cycles. However, unlike laparoscopic ovarian drilling, metformin may decrease the incidence of type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease. Conclusion(s): Given the similar magnitude of the results without the potential risks and complication of surgery, we propose that laparoscopic ovarian drilling should be used sparingly in favor of less invasive treatment with metformin. (C) 2003 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.