What surgical procedures are available for my hirsutism?

The commonest cause of hirsutism is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It has been known for sixty years that removing part of these ovaries surgically (wedge resection) can restore normal ovarian function. More recently, ovarian drilling puncturing small holes are in the surface of the ovaries at laparoscopy (laparoscopy) by cautery, diathermy or laser vaporisation has become possible. Ovarian drilling has had a definite part to play in infertility associated with PCOS usually when medical treatment has been unsuccessful. We must always consider the risks and benefits of treatment (surgery risks). There are risks associated with laparoscopic ovarian drilling and essentially we are treating a cosmetic problem. So far surgical treatment for hirsutism associated with PCOS does not seem to have been fully evaluated. It will be a while before the recently introduced metformin treatment will have been compared to ovarian drilling.

Hormone secreting tumours of the ovaries and adrenal glands are rare. If such a tumour is detected, surgical removal is required. 

Laser therapy directly to the hair follicles was initially thought likely to provide long-term results⁹⁷⁰¹ but it has not lived up to its early expectations.⁰⁶⁰¹

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