Objective: To evaluate the incidence and extent of periovarian adhesion formation subsequent to laparoscopic electrocoagulation of the ovarian surface in infertility patients with polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD).
Design: From a total of 199 PCOD patients treated with ovarian electrocautery, 50 cases of laparoscopy and 12 cesarean sections served as second-look investigation. A subgroup of 30 patients had abdominal lavage and artificial ascites after surgery; they underwent "early" second-look (2 to 14 days after laparoscopy).
Setting: All patients were referred to our fertility outpatient clinic affiliated with the university hospital.
Patients: Infertility patients with polycystic ovarian reaction to hormonal stimulation therapy underwent laparoscopic electrocoagulation of the ovarian surface.
Results: Adhesion formation was detected in 19.3%; the incidence reduced to 16.6% with the use of abdominal lavage. The adhesions found were obviously due to bleeding of the ovarian capsule caused by electrocautery. Adhesiolysis was easily possible during "early" second-look.
Conclusion: The incidence of de novo adhesion formation caused by laparoscopic electrocoagulation of the ovarian surface seems to be lower than after ovarian wedge resection; it can be reduced by abdominal lavage and artificial ascites.