Colorectal resection in patients with ovarian and primary peritoneal carcinoma

Prognostic Value of En-Block Radical Bowel Resection in Advanced Ovarian Cancer Surgery With HIPEC

PURPOSE

To identify prognostic factors of survival and recurrence in advanced ovarian cancer patients undergoing radical surgery and HIPEC.

METHODS

In a single Department of Surgical Oncology, Peritoneal Surface Malignancy Program, and over a 16-year period, from a total of 274 epithelial ovarian cancer patients, retrospectively, we identified 152 patients undergoing complete (CC-0) or near-complete (CC-1) cytoreduction, including at least one colonic resection, and HIPEC.

RESULTS

Mean age of patients was 58.8 years and CC-0 was possible in 72.4%. Rates of in-hospital mortality and major morbidity were 2.6% and 15.7%. Only 122 (80.3%) patients completed Adjuvant Systemic Chemotherapy (ASCH). Rates of metastatic Total Lymph Nodes (TLN), Para-Aortic and Pelvic Lymph Nodes (PAPLN) and Large Bowel Lymph Nodes (LBLN) were 58.7%, 58.5%, and 51.3%, respectively. Median, 5- and 10-year survival rates were 39 months, 43%, and 36.2%, respectively. The recurrence rate was 35.5%. On univariate analysis, CC-1, high Peritoneal Cancer Index (PCI), in-hospital morbidity, and no adjuvant chemotherapy were adverse factors for survival and recurrence. On multivariate analysis, negative survival indicators were the advanced age of patients, extensive peritoneal dissemination, low total number of TLN and no systemic PAPLN. Metastatic LBLN and segmental resection of the small bowel (SIR) were associated with a high risk for recurrence.

CONCLUSION

CC-O is feasible in most advanced ovarian cancer patients and HIPEC may confer a survival benefit. Radical bowel resection, with its entire mesocolon, may be necessary, as its lymph nodes often harbor metastases influencing disease recurrence and survival. The role of metastatic bowel lymph nodes has to be taken into account when assessing the impact of systemic lymphadenectomy in this group of patients.

Protective ostomies in ovarian cancer surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To assess the benefit of protective ostomies on anastomotic leak rate, urgent re-operations, and mortality due to anastomotic leak complications in ovarian cancer surgery.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was performed in MEDLINE, Web of Science, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for all studies on anastomotic leak and ostomy formation related to ovarian cancer surgery. Non-controlled studies, case series, abstracts, case reports, study protocols, and letters to the editor were excluded. Meta-analysis was performed on the primary endpoint of anastomotic leak rate. Subgroup analysis was carried out based on type of bowel resection and bevacizumab use. Secondary endpoints were urgent re-operations and mortality associated with anastomotic leak, length of hospital stay, postoperative complications, 30-day readmission rate, adjuvant chemotherapy, survival, and reversal surgery in ostomy and non-ostomy patients.

RESULTS

A total of 17 studies (2,719 patients) were included: 16 retrospective cohort studies, and 1 case-control study. Meta-analysis of 17 studies did not show a decrease in anastomotic leak rate in ostomy patients (odds ratio [OR]=1.01; 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.60-1.70; p=0.980). Meta-analysis of ten studies (1,452 women) did not find a decrease in urgent re-operations in the ostomy group (OR=0.72; 95% CI=0.35-1.46; p=0.360). Other outcomes were not considered for meta-analysis due to the lack of data in included studies.

CONCLUSION

Protective ostomies did not decrease anastomotic leak rates, and urgent re-operations in ovarian cancer surgery. This evidence supports the use of ostomies in very select cases.

Risks factors for anastomotic leakage in advanced ovarian cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to summarise the available evidence on the pre- and intra-operative risk factors for anastomotic leakage (AL) after bowel resection and anastomosis for ovarian cancer (OC).

STUDY DESIGN

We searched online databases from Pubmed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane Library from inception to October 2020. Pre- and intra-operative risk factors for AL were considered as the primary outcomes. Research heterogeneity and bias were evaluated by I² and by the Newcastle Ottawa scale, respectively. The study was registered with PROSPERO, CRD42018095225.

RESULTS

The overall AL rate after OC surgery (median ± SD) was 5.3 ± 12% (277 AL on 5178 anastomoses). Thirteen non-randomised studies were included in the meta-analysis enrolling a total of 3274 patients. Pre albumin level ≤ 3 gr/dl, multiple bowel resections and primary cytoreductive surgery were associated with a significantly high risk of AL with a pooled OR of 5.29 (95% CI: 1.51-18.59), OR = 4.4 (95% CI: 1.19-16.66) and OR = 1.71 (95% CI: 1.05-2.77), respectively. Optimal cytoreduction, ASA score, ascites, and protective stoma were not associated with an increased risk of AL.

CONCLUSION

Based on the best available evidence, preoperative albumin level <3 gr/dl, multiple bowel resections and primary cytoreductive surgery were associated with an increased risk for AL after bowel surgery for OC.

Modified intestinal isolation bag as promising tool in promoting bowel resumption after ovarian cancer cytoreductive surgery: a randomized clinical trial

PURPOSE

Postoperative ileus (POI) impairs patient recovery, prolonging hospital stay after major surgery in ovarian cancer (OvCa) patients. Thus, intraoperative bowel isolation is expected to reduce manipulation-related impairment. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of intraoperative intestinal isolation bag on POI in OvCa patients submitted to primary surgery.

METHODS

A randomized trial including patients managed with or without isolation bag during OvCa primary surgery was conducted. Patients were selected by consecutive randomization. Primary endpoints were the time between surgery and resumption of bowel motility (as passage of first/continued flatus), assessing of postoperative nausea or vomiting and return to regular diet. Secondary endpoint was the impact of intestinal isolation bag on length of hospitalization in the two groups.

RESULTS

Ninety-two patients respecting inclusion criteria were eligible to be enrolled in the study (48 patients as Group 1 and 44 patients as Group 2). Thirty-eight (79.2%) patients, in which intraoperative isolation bag was used, experienced first/continued flatus within 3 days from surgery and they were susceptible to be discharged within 5 days, compared, respectively, to 34.3% of Group 2 (n = 15). Advantages were more evident in patients whose surgery took over 220 min (OR 0.02, CI 95% 0.001-0.57; p < 0.001) despite the type of surgical effort made.

CONCLUSION

Despite the small sample size, our study showed that the use of intestinal isolation bag can reduce incidence of POI and length of stay in OvCa patients submitted to primary cytoreductive surgery.

Postoperative Intestinal Fistula in Primary Advanced Ovarian Cancer Surgery

Background

Advanced ovarian cancer (AOC) requires an aggressive surgery with large visceral resections in order to achieve an optimal or complete cytoreduction and increase the patient’s survival. However, the surgical aggressiveness in the treatment of AOC is not exempt from major complications, such as the gastrointestinal fistula (GIF), which stands out among others due to its high morbidity and mortality.

Methods

We evaluated the clinicopathological features in patients with AOC and their association with GI. Data for 107 patients with AOC who underwent primary debulking surgery were analyzed retrospectively. Clinicopathological features, including demographic, surgical procedures and follow-up data, were analyzed in relation to GIF.

Results

GIF was present in 11% of patients in the study, 5 (4.5%) and 7 (6.4%) of colorectal and small bowel origin, respectively. GIF was significantly associated with peritoneal cancer index (PCI) >20, more than 2 visceral resections, and multiple digestive resections. Overall and disease-free survival were also associated with GIF. Multivariate analysis identified partial bowel obstruction and operative bleeding as independent prognostic factors for survival. The presence of GIF is positively associated with poor prognosis in patients with AOC.

Conclusion

Given the importance of successful cytoreductive surgery in AOC, the assessment of the amount of tumor and the aggressiveness of the surgery to avoid the occurrence of GIF become a priority in patients with AOC.

En-bloc rectosigmoid and mesorectum resection as part of pelvic cytoreductive surgery in advanced ovarian cancer

Objective:

“En-bloc” resection of pelvic tumor in ovarian cancer (OC) is still controversial. The aim was to analyze results in an OC series from a single center, all of whom underwent “en-bloc” resection as part of cytoreductive surgery.

Material and Methods:

Clinical and surgical records from sixty patients with ovarian carcinoma who underwent “en-bloc” resection surgery were retrospectively analyzed.

Results:

Patients’ mean age was 56 years; 36 patients had primary disease and 24 had recurrent disease. Carcinomatosis was present in 46.7% of patients. Primary surgery was performed in 49 and interval debulking surgery in eleven. Complete cytoreduction was achieved in 55.0% and optimal in 38.3% of patients. Carcinomatosis significantly decreased the probability of complete cytoreduction [odds ratio (OR): 0.22; p=0.021]. Mesorectal infiltration occurred in 83% of patients. Risk of death was non-significantly higher (hazard ratio: 1.9) in women with mesorectal infiltration. Median overall survival was longer for patients without infiltration (46.1 vs 79.1 months; p=0.15). Eighty-five percent suffered from mild to moderate complications and colorectal anastomosis (CRA) leak occurred in two patients (3.6%) with CRA below 6 cm. Diaphragm resection had >5 times the risk for major complications (OR: 5.35; p=0.014). There was no three month mortality.

Conclusion:

When contiguous gross extension of disease to pelvic peritoneum and sigmoid colon is found, in patients with advanced OC, microscopic involvement of the mesorectum and intestinal wall is present in most cases making “en-bloc” resection necessary if complete cytoreduction is to be achieved. The associated morbidity is acceptable.

Clinical characteristics and outcomes after bowel surgery and ostomy formation at the time of debulking surgery for advanced-stage epithelial ovarian carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

There are limited data on clinical outcomes of patients with advanced-stage epithelial ovarian cancer who require ostomy formation at the time of either primary cytoreductive surgery or interval cytoreductive surgery. The objective of this study was to evaluate patients undergoing bowel surgery and ostomy formation after primary or interval surgery.

METHODS

Patients with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage IIIC-IV epithelial ovarian cancer who underwent cytoreductive surgery between January 2010 and December 2014 were identified retrospectively. Patients with non-epithelial histology, low-grade serous histology or incomplete medical records were excluded. Demographic and clinical data were collected and analyzed. Age, stage, co-morbidity index, pre-operative CA125, pre-operative albumin, and Aletti surgical complexity score were included in a multivariable logistic regression model to assess independent associations with ostomy formation.

RESULTS

A total of 554 patients were included in the study. Of these, 261 (47%) underwent primary cytoreduction and 293 (53%) underwent interval cytoreduction. Patients undergoing primary surgery were more likely to undergo bowel resection, compared with interval surgery patients (37.2% vs 14%, p<0.001). Of the 139 (25.1%) patients who underwent bowel surgery, 25 (18%) underwent ostomy formation (11 ileostomies and 14 colostomies). Rates of ostomy formation were similar between the groups (6.1% primary vs 3.1% interval, p=0.10). Patients undergoing ostomy formation were more likely to have longer mean operative time (335 vs 229 min, p<0.001) and undergo small and large bowel resections at the time of cytoreductive surgery (44% vs 14%, p<0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that a high surgical complexity score was associated with ostomy formation. Of the patients who underwent ostomy formation, 13 (43.3%) underwent stoma reversal including 11 ileostomies and two colostomies. Median time to ostomy reversal was 7 months.

CONCLUSION

Bowel surgery is more common among patients undergoing primary surgery as compared with interval surgery, but this does not result in an increased risk of ostomy formation.

Rectosigmoidectomy and Douglas Peritonectomy in the Management of Serosal Implants in Advanced-Stage Ovarian Cancer Surgery: Survival and Surgical Outcomes

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of rectosigmoid resection (RR) and Douglas peritonectomy (DP) on postoperative complications and survival in advanced-stage ovarian cancer surgery.

Methods/Materials

Patients who underwent optimal cytoreductive surgery including RR and DP between January 2007 and January 2013 were included. Patients with deeper invasion into the muscularis and mucosal layer reported in pathology results and colon wall injury necessitating suturing or resection suggesting invasion of implants into the colon wall were excluded. The decision for RR or DP was made according to the surgical team and patients’ preference. Resections were performed with the suspicion of colon wall invasion. The collected data were age, previous operations, preoperative cancer antigen 125 and albumin levels, surgical procedures, duration of surgery, tumor histology, recurrence, hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy, and length of hospital stay. Kaplan-Meir survival estimates were calculated and compared between the groups using the log-rank test. Cox proportional models were built to evaluate factors that affected disease-free and overall survival.

Results

Age, body mass index, preoperative cancer antigen 125 levels, albumin levels, and amount of ascites were similar between the groups. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by interval debulking surgery was performed in 15% of both groups. End colostomy was performed in 23.7% of the RR group, and only 5.08% of the patients underwent diverting ileostomy procedures. There was no significant difference in terms of surgical complications between the groups. Recurrence occurred in the RR and DP groups at rates of 42% and 47%, respectively. Only primary debulking surgery had an effect on overall survival (odds ratio, 0.5; 95% confidence interval, 0.31–0.88). Overall survival and disease-free survival were similar in the RR and DP groups.

Conclusions

Douglas peritonectomy showed similar survival and surgical outcomes to RR and provided shorter hospital stay and earlier admission to chemotherapy in the management of serosal implants during advanced-stage ovarian cancer surgery.

Diverting ileostomy during primary debulking surgery for ovarian cancer: Associated factors and postoperative outcomes

OBJECTIVE

To examine the use, as well as postoperative and long-term oncologic outcomes of diverting loop ileostomy (DI) during primary debulking surgery (PDS) for ovarian cancer.

METHODS

Patients with stage II-IV ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal carcinoma who underwent colon resection during PDS from 1/2005-1/2014 were identified. Demographic and clinical data were analyzed.

RESULTS

Of 331 patients, 320 (97%) had stage III/IV disease and 278 (84%) had disease of high-grade serous histology. Forty-four (13%) underwent a DI. There were no significant differences in age, comorbidity index, smoking status, serum albumin, or attending surgeon between the DI and non-DI groups. Operative time (OR=1.21; 95% CI, 1.03-1.42; p=0.02) and length of rectosigmoid resection (OR=1.04; 95% CI, 1.01-1.08; p=0.02) were predictors of DI on multivariable analysis. The overall anastomotic leak rate was 6%. A comparison of groups (DI vs non-DI) showed no significant differences in major complications (30% vs 23%; p=0.41), anastomotic leak rate (5% vs 7%; p=0.60), hospital length of stay (10 vs 9days; p=0.25), readmission rate (23% vs 17%; p=0.33), or interval to postoperative chemotherapy (41 vs 40days; p=0.20), respectively. Ileostomy reversal was successful in 89% of patients. Median follow-up was 52.6months. There were no differences in median progression-free (17.9 vs 18.6months; p=0.88) and overall survival (48.7 vs 63.8months; p=0.25) between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients undergoing PDS, those with longer operative time and greater length of rectosigmoid resection more commonly underwent DI. DI does not appear to compromise postoperative outcomes or long-term survival.

Radical surgery in ovarian cancer

While there is an ongoing debate regarding the timing of the maximal surgical effort in epithelial ovarian cancer, it is well established that patients with suboptimal tumor debulking derive no benefit from the surgical procedure. The amount of residual disease after cytoreductive surgery has been repeatedly identified as a strong predictor of survival, and accordingly, the surgical effort to achieve the goal of complete gross tumor resection has been constantly evolving. Centers that have adopted the concept of radical surgery in patients with advanced ovarian cancer have reported improvements in their patients' survival. In addition to the expected improvements in the pharmacologic treatment of this disease, some of the next challenges in the surgical management of ovarian cancer include the preoperative prediction of suboptimal debulking, improving the drug delivery to the tumor, and increasing access to centers of excellence in ovarian cancer regardless of geographical, financial, or other social barriers. This review will discuss an update on the role of surgery in the treatment of primary epithelial ovarian cancer as it has evolved since the emergence of the concept of surgical cytoreduction.

HIPEC ROC I: a phase I study of cisplatin administered as hyperthermic intraoperative intraperitoneal chemoperfusion followed by postoperative intravenous platinum-based chemotherapy in patients with platinum-sensitive recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer

This phase I study tested the safety, feasibility, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of cisplatin administered as hyperthermic intraoperative intraperitoneal chemoperfusion (HIPEC) in patients with platinum-sensitive recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) undergoing secondary cytoreductive surgery followed by postoperative platinum-based intravenous chemotherapy. Twelve patients with operable, recurrent platinum-sensitive EOC (recurrence ≥6 months after first-line therapy) were included according to the classical 3+3 dose-escalation design at three dose levels-60, 80 and 100 mg/m(2). After surgical cytoreduction, a single dose of cisplatin was administered via HIPEC for 90 min at 41-43°C. Postoperatively, all patients were treated with standard intravenous platinum-based combination chemotherapy. One of six patients experienced a dose-limiting toxicity (grade 3 renal toxicity) at a dose of 100 mg/m(2). The remaining five patients treated with 100 mg/m(2) tolerated their treatment well. The recommended phase II dose was established at 100 mg/m(2). The mean peritoneal-to-plasma AUC ratio was 19·5 at the highest dose level. Cisplatin-induced DNA adducts were confirmed in tumor samples. Common postoperative grade 1-3 toxicities included fatigue, postoperative pain, nausea, and surgical site infection. The ability to administer standard intravenous platinum-based chemotherapy after HIPEC was uncompromised. Cisplatin administered as HIPEC at a dose of 100 mg/m(2) has an acceptable safety profile in selected patients undergoing secondary cytoreductive surgery for platinum-sensitive recurrent EOC. Favorable pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of HIPEC with cisplatin were confirmed at all dose levels, especially at 100 mg/m(2). The results are encouraging to determine the efficacy of HIPEC as a complementary treatment in patients with EOC.

Cytoreductive Surgery for Advanced Ovarian Cancer

The amount of the largest diameter of visible residual tumor after cytoreductive surgery remains one of the strongest prognostic factors In advanced ovarian cancer. The Implementation of a more aggressive surgical approach to Increase the proportion of patients without visible residual tumor Is, therefore, a rational concept. Thus, the surgical management of advanced ovarian, primary peritoneal and fallopian tube cancers now Incorporates more comprehensive surgical procedures. However, these more extensive surgical procedures are associated with an Increased risk of morbidity, which may have a negative Impact on the oncologic outcome. In addition, It Is unclear whether all patients benefit from a comprehensive surgical Intervention In the same way or If there are patients whose disease course will not be Influenced by this approach. The methodologic analysis of surgical effectiveness Is complex and controversial owing to a lack of prospective surgical trials. This review acknowledges controversies and alms to discuss novel developments In the field of cytoreductive surgery for patients with ovarian, primary peritoneal and fallopian tube cancers. The focus of the review Is to discuss the role of surgery at Initial diagnosis. The role of secondary and tertiary surgery In the recurrent setting Is beyond the scope of this review.

Depth of colorectal-wall invasion and lymph-node involvement as major outcome factors influencing surgical strategy in patients with advanced and recurrent ovarian cancer with diffuse peritoneal metastases

Background

More information is needed on the anatomopathological outcome variables indicating the appropriate surgical strategy for the colorectal resections often needed during cytoreduction for ovarian cancer.

Methods

From a phase-II study cohort including 70 patients with primary advanced or recurrent ovarian cancer with diffuse peritoneal metastases treated from November 2000 to April 2009, we selected for this study the 52 consecutive patients who needed colorectal resection. Data collected included type of colorectal resection, peritoneal cancer index (PCI), histopathology (depth of bowel-wall invasion and lymph-node spread), cytoreduction rate and outcome. Correlations were tested between possible prognostic factors and Kaplan-Meier five-year overall and disease-free survival. A Cox multivariate regression model was used to identify independent variables associated with outcome.

Results

In the 52 patients, the optimal cytoreduction rate was 86.5% (CC0/1). In all patients, implants infiltrated deeply into the bowel wall, in 75% of the cases up to the muscular and mucosal layer. Lymph-node metastases were detected in 50% of the cases; mesenteric nodes were involved in 42.3%. Most patients (52%) had an uneventful postoperative course. Operative mortality was 3.8%. The five-year survival rate was 49.9% and five-year disease-free survival was 36.7%. Cox regression analysis identified as the main prognostic factors completeness of cytoreduction and depth of bowel wall invasion.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the major independent prognostic factors in patients with advanced ovarian cancer needing colorectal resections are completeness of cytoreduction and depth of bowel wall invasion. Surgical management and pathological assessment should be aware of and deal with dual locoregional and mesenteric lymphatic spread.

Surgical management of epithelial ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer affects approximately 21,880 women and accounts for over 13,000 deaths annually in the United States. Although survival rates have improved over the past several decades, directly as a result of advances in chemotherapy and surgery, ovarian cancer continues to have high mortality rates. Understanding the multiple roles of surgery throughout the disease course is the focus of this review.

Incidence of and risk factors for postoperative ileus in women undergoing primary staging and debulking for epithelial ovarian carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

Thorough primary cytoreduction for epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC) improves survival. The incidence of postoperative ileus (POI) in these patients may be underreported because of varying POI definitions and the evolving, increasingly complex contemporary surgical approach to EOC. We sought to determine the current incidence of POI and its risk factors in women undergoing debulking and staging for EOC.

METHODS

We retrospectively identified the records of women who underwent primary staging and cytoreduction for EOC between 2003 and 2008. POI was defined as a surgeon's diagnosis of POI, return to nothing-by-mouth status, or reinsertion of a nasogastric tube. Perioperative patient characteristics and process-of-care variables were analyzed. Univariate analyses were used to identify POI risk factors; variables with P ≤.20 were included in multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

Among 587 women identified, the overall incidence of POI was 30.3% (25.9% without bowel resection, 38.5% with bowel resection; P=.002). Preoperative thrombocytosis, involvement of bowel mesentery with carcinoma, and perioperative red blood cell transfusion were independently associated with increased POI. Postoperative ibuprofen use was associated with decreased POI risk. Women with POI had a longer length of stay (median, 11 vs 6 days) and increased time to recovery of the upper (7.5 vs 4 days) and lower (4 vs 3 days) gastrointestinal tract (P<.001 for each).

CONCLUSIONS

The rate of POI is substantial among women undergoing staging and cytoreduction for EOC and is associated with increased length of stay. Modifiable risk factors may include transfusion and postoperative ibuprofen use. Alternative interventions to decrease POI are needed.

Extended left colon resections as part of complete cytoreduction for ovarian cancer: tips and considerations

OBJECTIVES

Colectomy is a common part of cytoreductive surgery. The most common segment of the colon resected is the rectosigmoid. Extended left-sided colectomies are rarely performed. With increased emphasis on the importance of maximal cytoreductive surgery it is becoming more important to understand the outcomes related to such a procedure. The purpose of this report is to evaluate the quality of life issues related to extended left colectomies.

METHODS

Data on all patients who underwent cytoreductive surgery between April 2007 and April 2009 was prospectively recorded. Nineteen patients underwent extended left colon resections. The data from these cases was evaluated with particular attention directed at the quality of life issues surrounding postoperative bowel function, and tolerance of postoperative chemotherapy.

RESULTS

Nine underwent resection of the left hemicolon plus the hepatic flexure. Six underwent resection of the left hemicolon, hepatic flexure, and the ascending colon. Four underwent subtotal colectomies. Temporary diverting loop ileostomies were performed on 18 of the 19 patients each of whom consented for intraperitoneal chemotherapy. No delays in chemotherapy were observed. Median number of bowel movements at 6, 9 and 12 months were 2, 2 and 1, respectively. No fecal incontinence was observed. Patients expressed satisfaction with their bowel surgery and denied any significant decrease in their quality of life due to their bowel function.

CONCLUSION

Extended left colon resection is a reasonable technique to include in patients requiring maximal cytoreduction. Quality of life related to bowel function is acceptable and chemotherapy is not delayed.

Cytoreductive surgery for gynecologic malignancies--new standards of care

Studies on cytoreductive surgery for advanced ovarian and primary peritoneal cancer have consistently shown a strong correlation between cytoreduction and survival, with the best survival observed in patients who have no visible residual disease after successful cytoreductive surgery. Recent data that intraperitoneal chemotherapy further improves survival after optimal cytoreduction adds to the potential benefit of such surgery. More recently, significant survival benefit from optimal cytoreduction has also been shown for patients with recurrent disease and for women with advanced endometrial carcinoma. The selection criteria for patients and critical aspects of the operative technique and timing of cytoreductive surgery are discussed.

Transverse colectomy in ovarian cancer surgical cytoreduction: operative technique and clinical outcome

OBJECTIVE

To describe the operative techniques and associated clinical outcomes of patients undergoing transverse colectomy as a component of cytoreductive surgery for advanced or recurrent ovarian cancer.

METHODS

Thirty-nine patients underwent transverse colectomy as part of primary (n=33) or secondary (n=6) cytoreductive surgery for ovarian cancer between 1/97 and 4/07. The surgical techniques, associated morbidity, and clinical outcomes are described.

RESULTS

Among primary surgery patients, 75.6% had Stage IIIC disease, and 24.2% had Stage IV disease. Transverse colon surgery consisted of: partial colectomy in 33 cases and total transverse colectomy in 6 cases. Transverse colectomy with rectosigmoid colectomy was performed in 61.5% of patients, with two separate colonic anastomoses in 48.7%. The majority (89.7%) of transverse colon anastomoses were stapled, most commonly a functional end-to-end colocolostomy. Two patients required end colostomy. The median EBL was 500 cm(3). Residual disease was: no gross in 33.3%, 0.1-1.0 cm in 59.0%, and >1 cm in 7.7% of patients. Post-operative morbidity occurred in 25.6% of patients, with a fistula rate of 5.1% and a mortality rate of 2.6%. The median survival time after primary surgery was 68.3 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Transverse colectomy can contribute significantly to a maximal ovarian cancer cytoreductive surgical effort and carries acceptable morbidity. Resection of a non-contiguous segment of rectosigmoid colon is frequently necessary, and placement of two separate colonic anastomoses is associated with a low risk of anastomotic breakdown.

[Peritoneal carcinomatosis in ovarian cancer. Methods and treatment results]

Epithelial ovarian cancer is the gynecological tumor with the highest mortality rate. Numerous findings have recently emerged about the value and extent of surgical therapy of this disease. Already applied to national and international standards and guidelines, these new developments must become part of clinical practice if patients are to benefit.

Survival impact of multiple bowel resections in patients undergoing primary cytoreductive surgery for advanced ovarian cancer: a case-control study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate clinicopathological factors and survival outcome of patients with advanced epithelial ovarian carcinoma undergoing multiple bowel resections to achieve optimal (< or = 1 cm) cytoreduction.

METHODS

A case-control study was performed identifying patients undergoing optimal primary cytoreductive surgery with > or = 2 bowel resections between 10/1997 and 2/2006. The two control groups consisted of (1) patients undergoing optimal cytoreduction with < or = 1 bowel resections matched [1:2] for age and stage and (2) patients left with suboptimal disease. Cox proportional hazards model were used to evaluate the effects of demographic and surgico-pathologic factors on survival outcome.

RESULTS

A total of 34 patients underwent > or = 2 bowel resections. Sixty-eight patients underwent < or = 1 bowel resections. All patients had optimal cytoreduction and 40/102 patients (39.2%) underwent complete cytoreduction. Patients undergoing multiple bowel resections experienced a higher EBL (700 v 500 mL, p=0.01) and longer LOS (10 v 7 days, p=0.01) compared to patients with < or = 1 bowel resections. Multivariate analysis revealed the amount of residual disease to be a statistically significant and radiation therapy to the right pelvic sidewall and cul-de-sac independent predictor of overall survival. The median overall survival time for patients undergoing > or = 2 bowel resections was 28.3 months, which was comparable to patients undergoing < or = 1 bowel resections, (37.8 months, p=0.09) but statistically significantly superior to patients left with suboptimal residual disease (12 months, p=0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Although primary surgery that includes > or = 2 bowel resections is associated with longer LOS and a higher EBL, such extensive procedures are warranted if they will contribute to an overall optimal residual disease state.

Role of surgery in ovarian carcinoma

Surgery plays a critical role in the optimal management of all stages of ovarian carcinoma. In apparent early-stage ovarian cancer, a comprehensive surgical evaluation allows stratification of patients into low- and high-risk categories. Low-risk patients may be candidates for fertility-sparing surgery and can safely avoid chemotherapy and be observed. Treatment of patients with high-risk early- or advanced-stage ovarian cancer usually requires a combined modality approach. Although it is well known that epithelial ovarian cancer is moderately chemosensitive, what distinguishes it most from other metastatic solid tumors is that surgical cytoreduction of tumor volume is highly correlated with prolongation of patient survival. Procedures such as radical pelvic surgery, bowel resection, and aggressive upper abdominal surgery are commonly required to achieve optimal cytoreduction. Women who develop recurrent disease may be eligible for a secondary cytoreductive surgery or may require a surgical intervention to palliate disease-related symptoms. For women at high risk of ovarian cancer, prophylactic bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy significantly reduces the incidence of this disease. The purpose of this article is to provide a comprehensive review of the surgical management of ovarian carcinoma. The roles of primary, interval, and secondary cytoreductive surgeries; second-look procedures; and palliative surgery are reviewed. The indications for fertility-sparing and minimally invasive surgery as well as the current guidelines for prophylactic surgery in high-risk mutation carriers are also discussed.