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Surgical approaches to endometriosis patients with chronic pelvic pain are multimodal and require individualization. Laparoscopic approaches are preferred over laparotomy when conservatively treating endometriosis via excision or ablation/fulguration of lesions. The available data support cystectomy over fenestration or fulguration for endometriomas; however, there may be associated decreases in ovarian reserve with endometrioma treatment. Presacral neurectomy may be useful in patients with midline pain and LUNA is not effective for the treatment of pelvic pain related to endometriosis. Appendectomy may be considered prophylactically at the time of the surgery for pelvic pain, although more studies are needed. For deep infiltrating endometriosis, the risks of aggressive bowel surgery must be weighed against the benefits of clear pain reduction. Postoperative medical suppressive therapy is strongly recommended to prolong symptom-free intervals of this chronic disease. As definitive therapy, hysterectomy can be helpful especially when combined with endometriosis excision. When performing hysterectomy, bilateral oophorectomy should be given careful consideration, as this procedure leads to premature surgical menopause and may not decrease the possibility of reoperation and persistence of symptoms in patients aged 30 to 39 years with chronic pain.

Endometriomas in the assisted reproductive technology patient present a challenging clinical scenario for the infertility specialist. Although surgical management is often pursued in cases of pain or large cyst diameter, patients without such factors must be counseled regarding surgical versus expectant management. Decisions to pursue surgery must be viewed in the context of potentially decreased ovarian reserve and more difficult stimulation for in vitro fertilization. In this article, three distinct cases are presented along with a summary of the most current literature available to guide clinicians in the optimal management of in vitro fertilization patients with endometriomas.

Laparoscopic ovarian drilling (LOD) is an alternative to ovulation induction with gonadotropins for polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) patients unresponsive to clomiphene. It is quick and easy to perform, although the number of punctures and energy doses has not been standardized. The mechanism of LOD is unclear, but it is likely mediated by a reduction in intraovarian androgen production. Serum luteinizing hormone and testosterone levels are rapidly normalized, and these changes are sustained over long-term follow-up. Studies have shown that ovulation and pregnancy rates are comparable between ovulation induction with gonadotropins and LOD, but LOD avoids the risks of multiple pregnancy and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. LOD is also more cost effective and better tolerated than gonadotropin therapy. Concerns regarding clinically significant adhesion formation and premature ovarian failure are not supported by the available data. Transvaginal hydrolaparoscopy and ultrasound guidance are less invasive techniques for performing ovarian drilling and may encourage LOD earlier in the course of treatment for PCOS.