Laparoscopic Ovarian Diathermy (LOD)
You have been given this page to answer some of the questions you may have as you are now on the waiting list for Laparoscopic Ovarian Diathermy (LOD).
What is LOD?
LOD is a surgical treatment for women with polycystic ovaries who have irregular periods or when ovulation does not happen. The aim of LOD is to induce ovulation. This procedure is combined with a dye test to check your fallopian tubes. Please see leaflet GHPI0457 Laparoscopy and dye test.
LOD involves a laparoscopy (keyhole surgery) under a general anaesthetic (while you are asleep) and is usually done as a day case.
What to expect before the procedure?
After your first consultation you will be assessed either by telephone or in the pre-admission clinic. We will check if you are fit for the laparoscopy.
If you are taking the contraceptive pill, there is no need to stop as the surgery is only a day case procedure.
Please avoid unprotected intercourse during the month of your laparoscopy. If there is any chance of you being pregnant your operation will be cancelled.
If you think your surgery date might coincide with your period, please contact your consultant’s secretary as we might be able to give you hormone tablets. You will need to take these a week before your expected period. This will postpone your period until after the surgery.
What happens during the procedure?
The anaesthetist and a gynaecologist will talk to you before your keyhole procedure takes place to answer any questions you may have.
After you have been given an anaesthetic and you are asleep the surgery will begin.
A small instrument will be inserted into your uterus, through the vagina, to help gently manipulate the womb. This is to allow for better visualisation and access to the pelvic structures, as well as administration of the dye if this is planned.
A small cut will then be made below your belly button for the laparoscope to be inserted into the abdominal cavity. Additional small cuts may be needed for use of other instruments to perform the procedure.
Dissolvable stitches will be used to close the wound.
The surgery will take about 15 minutes.
This treatment is often successful in inducing ovulation and regular periods.
The findings will be explained to you before you go home.
Possible complications?
Many laparoscopic surgeries are completed without problems but the recognised risks are:
- Damage to the bowel, bladder or major blood vessels
- Failure to enter the abdominal cavity
- Uterine perforation
- Bruising
- Shoulder tip pain - this is due to the gas used during surgery
- In extremely rare cases it may be necessary to make a bigger incision than planned; a laparotomy. Should this happen, you will need to stay in hospital overnight.
After the operation
You may have a sore throat or nausea from the anaesthetic. You will be given pain relief.
As mentioned, the stitches will dissolve but can be removed by your GP’s practice nurse if they irritate you.
You can take a bath or shower the day after the procedure.
Sexual relations can be resumed as soon as you are comfortable to do so.
When can I go back to work?
Most patients go back to work after 2 to 3 days, but some take longer. A sick note of up to a week can be given if needed.
An appointment will be sent to you if a follow up is needed.
Contact information
If you have any questions, please contact the fertility nurses on the number below:
Cotswold Fertility Unit
Tel: 0300 422 3128
Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 4:00pm
Website: www.cotswoldfertilityunit.co.uk