The Outcome of Laparoscopic Ovarian Drilling in Patients with Clomiphene-resistant Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome in Ogbmoso, Nigeria: A Prospective Evaluation

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is commonly encountered in women with anovulatory infertility. The surgical ovarian drilling procedure aims to restore spontaneous ovulatory cycles. This function is similar to the goal of clomiphene citrate and/or metformin. Objective: We conducted this study to determine the outcome of laparoscopic ovarian drilling (LOD) among patients who presented with clomiphene-resistant PCOS. Materials and methods: The study was prospective in design. We studied 43 patients with clomiphene-resistant PCOS who had laparoscopic ovarian drilling (LOD) using monopolar diathermy at the Bowen University Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso. The study took place between January 2014 and June 2016. Clinical data recorded at different intervals of follow-up included the menstrual pattern and reproductive history. Results: We successfully performed laparoscopic ovarian drilling without any complication. Four (9.3%) of the patients were lost to follow-up. Thirty (76.9%) of the remaining 39 patients resumed regular menstrual cycles with spontaneous ovulation, while 23 (59.1%) patients achieved spontaneous pregnancy within 6 and 18 months following LOD. No record of multiple pregnancies. Factors associated with failed LOD treatment included obesity and a long duration of infertility. Conclusion: LOD is a feasible and effective first-line treatment option in patients with clomiphene-resistant PCOS in sub-Saharan Africa. Emphasis should be on weight reduction with early application of LOD to treat patients with clomiphene-resistant PCOS. This will reduce the time to achieve pregnancy and the need for gonadotropins to induce ovulation.