Abstract

The aim of this study was to review the long-term results of cytoreductive surgery in the treatment of advanced primary and recurrent epithelial ovarian cancers and papillary serous carcinoma of the peritoneum. Our goal was to identify clinical factors by which to select patients likely to benefit from a comprehensive management plan.

Clinical data of 28 females who underwent surgery were retrieved from a prospective database. Major cytoreductive procedures were possible in 25 patients. Heated intraoperative or early postoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy was also used where appropriate. The median follow-up after cytoreduction was 26.9 months. The overall median survival after cytoreduction was 45.8 months. The prognostic indicators associated with a statistically significant impact on survival were the prior surgery score (P < 0.001), the completeness of cytoreduction score (CC; P = 0.037), and response to chemotherapy prior to surgery (P = 0.012).

Our findings suggest that cytoreductive surgery can be effective when combined with perioperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy. Results can be improved by excluding cases where CC seems unlikely. Extensive prior surgery without the protection of adjunctive intraperitoneal chemotherapy is associated with a poor prognosis. This may be due to disruption of anatomical planes leading to deep abdominal and pelvic dissemination intractable to further treatment.