Laparoscopic Ovarian Drilling
A minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure for selected women with PCOS — using heat or laser to reduce androgen-producing ovarian tissue and restore natural ovulation when medication has failed.
What is Laparoscopic Ovarian Drilling?
Laparoscopic ovarian drilling (LOD) is a surgical procedure in which multiple small punctures are made on the surface of the ovaries using diathermy or laser energy. This destroys a portion of the androgen-producing stroma, reducing testosterone and LH levels and restoring the normal hormonal balance needed for ovulation. LOD is performed for selected women with PCOS who have not responded to ovulation-induction medication. Dr. Ashwani Narla performs LOD at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad, offering a minimally invasive path to restored ovulation and improved fertility.
Suitable for women with PCOS who have failed to ovulate with clomiphene or letrozole, are not candidates for or have not responded to gonadotrophin therapy, and where laparoscopic intervention offers a viable fertility pathway.
How the Procedure Works
Anaesthesia & Port Placement
General anaesthesia is administered. Two to three laparoscopic ports are inserted and both ovaries are carefully examined and brought into view.
Ovarian Assessment
The size, surface, and morphology of both ovaries are assessed laparoscopically to confirm polycystic appearance and plan the drilling sites.
Drilling the Ovarian Surface
Four to ten punctures are made on each ovary using a diathermy needle or laser at precise depths — sufficient to reduce androgens without damaging ovarian reserve.
Irrigation & Haemostasis
The ovarian surfaces are irrigated with saline to cool the tissue and remove charred debris. Haemostasis is confirmed before ports are removed.
Closure & Recovery
Ports are closed with sutures. Most patients are discharged the same day. Ovulation typically resumes within four to eight weeks of the procedure.
Outcomes
Who Needs This Treatment?
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Restores spontaneous ovulation in approximately 70% of appropriately selected patients
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Reduces elevated androgen and LH levels that suppress ovulation in PCOS
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Avoids the risk of multiple pregnancy associated with ovulation-induction drugs
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Single procedure with long-lasting effect on hormonal balance
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Minimally invasive day procedure with rapid recovery
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Improves response to ovulation-induction medication if further fertility treatment is needed
Ovarian drilling is a carefully calibrated procedure — the goal is to reduce androgen excess just enough to restore ovulation, without compromising the ovarian reserve we are trying to protect.
— — Dr. Ashwani Narla, Consultant Obstetrician, Gynaecologist & Laparoscopic Surgeon
Laparoscopic Ovarian Drilling Cost in Hyderabad
The cost of laparoscopic ovarian drilling (LOD) in Hyderabad depends on the patient's fertility history, severity of ovulatory dysfunction associated with PCOS, pre-operative evaluation, surgical complexity, anesthesia, and hospital care. LOD is a laparoscopic procedure that uses controlled energy to make small openings in the ovarian surface and may be considered in selected patients with PCOS and anovulatory infertility, particularly when ovulation has not been achieved with appropriate medication such as clomiphene. The estimated cost ranges from ₹80,000 to ₹1,60,000, with an average cost of approximately ₹1,20,000.
| Procedure | Approximate Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Laparoscopic Ovarian Drilling (LOD) | ₹80,000 ₹1,60,000 |
The actual cost may vary depending on the patient's fertility evaluation, ovarian findings, previous treatment, and the complexity of the procedure. Pre-operative investigations, anesthesia, operating-room charges, hospital or day-care stay, medicines, and follow-up care may contribute to the final expense.
Laparoscopic ovarian drilling is not required for every patient with PCOS-related infertility. The suitability of LOD depends on the individual's ovulation history, previous fertility treatment, ovarian findings, and overall reproductive plan. The potential benefits, limitations, and alternatives should be discussed during specialist consultation.
The actual cost may vary depending on the patient's fertility evaluation, ovarian findings, previous treatment, and the complexity of the procedure. Pre-operative investigations, anesthesia, operating-room charges, hospital or day-care stay, medicines, and follow-up care may contribute to the final expense. Laparoscopic ovarian drilling is not required for every patient with PCOS-related infertility. The suitability of LOD depends on the individual's ovulation history, previous fertility treatment, ovarian findings, and overall reproductive plan. The potential benefits, limitations, and alternatives should be discussed during specialist consultation.
The cost of LOD can differ between patients because the procedure is generally considered only in selected cases of PCOS-related anovulatory infertility. The required fertility evaluation and the patient's previous treatment history can influence both treatment planning and overall expense.
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The cost of LOD can differ between patients because the procedure is generally considered only in selected cases of PCOS-related anovulatory infertility. The required fertility evaluation and the patient's previous treatment history can influence both treatment planning and overall expense.
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Previous ovulation-induction treatment: Patients who have not responded adequately to medicines such as clomiphene may require a more detailed assessment before LOD is considered.
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Fertility evaluation: Hormonal testing, ultrasound, ovulation assessment, and other investigations may be recommended before treatment.
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Ovarian findings: Ovarian appearance, size, and other clinical findings may influence the treatment plan.
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Surgical approach: LOD is performed laparoscopically, and the complexity of access and operative findings can affect procedure time and cost
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Anesthesia and hospital care: Anesthesia, operating-room charges, day-care or admission costs, monitoring, and recovery care contribute to the total expense.
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Additional procedures: If another gynecological or fertility-related condition requires treatment during the same procedure, the overall cost may increase.
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Medicines and follow-up: Fertility medicines, post-operative medications, follow-up consultations, and subsequent ovulation monitoring may add to the overall treatment expense.
Insurance Coverage for Laparoscopic Ovarian Drilling
Coverage for laparoscopic ovarian drilling varies by health insurance policy and the reason for treatment. Fertility-related procedures are not covered under many insurance plans, although specific benefits may differ between policies. Patients should check their policy for fertility-treatment coverage, exclusions, waiting periods, pre-authorization requirements, and cashless eligibility before scheduling the procedure.
- Checking your policy coverage
- Cashless approval process
- Required documentation
- Insurance-related queries before the procedure
Dr. Ashwani Narla
Consultant Obstetrician, Gynaecologist & Laparoscopic Surgeon
Dr. Ashwani Narla, Consultant Obstetrician, Gynecologist & Laparoscopic Surgeon at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad, evaluates patients with PCOS, ovulatory disorders, infertility, and other gynecological conditions. During consultation, she reviews menstrual and ovulation history, previous fertility treatments, medical history, examination findings, and relevant ultrasound or laboratory reports. For patients with PCOS-related anovulatory infertility, she assesses the response to previous ovulation-induction treatment and determines whether laparoscopic ovarian drilling is an appropriate option. The consultation may also cover alternative fertility treatments, expected benefits and limitations, possible risks, recovery, further fertility management, and the estimated treatment cost.
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