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Laparoscopically directed ovarian biopsy has been evaluated in 39 cases of secondary amenorrhea. The definite diagnosis was achieved in 29 cases. In 10 cases, ovarian histopathology alone was insufficient, and the estimations of gonadotropins were essential for the final diagnosis. The scope and limitations of this procedure for the differential diagnosis of premature ovarian failure and hypothalamic-pituitary lesions are discussed.

Twelve cases of premature ovarian failure (POF) are described. The clinical, hormonal, histopathologic and cytogenetic studies of each patient have been presented. The scope and the limitations of laparoscopic ovarian biopsy are discussed, as is the importance of radioimmunoassay of follicle-stimulating and luteinizing hormones (FSH/LH) in comparison to ovarian biopsy for the diagnosis of premature ovarian failure. A plea is made for the early diagnosis of POF so that these young women can be spared the expensive and time-consuming treatment for the associated problem of infertility.

One hundred thirty-five patients with various müllerian abnormalities underwent laparoscopy. At a glance the precise malformation was diagnosed correctly: 44 patients revealed a complete absence of the müllerian system; 35 were found to have a transverse ridge across the pelvis, the lateral ends of which were well developed; 33 patients had rudimentary uteri; 7, a median müllerian nodule; 5 belonged to the group with the testicular feminization syndrome; 4 were classified as having a bicornuate uterus; 3 had unicornuate uteri; and 3, septate uteri. One rare variety of müllerian abnormality is also described. Laparoscopy was found to be invaluable in the diagnosis of müllerian abnormalities.