[Prognosis and fertility after conservative treatment for ovarian tumors of limited malignity: review of 68 cases]

Does controlled ovarian hyperstimulation in women with a history of borderline tumor influence recurrence rate?

PURPOSE

To determine the recurrence rate in the women with controlled ovarian hyperstimulation after a history of borderline ovarian tumors (BOT).

METHODS

This was a retrospective analysis of 275 patients with BOT undergoing surgery for fertility preservation in our hospital between 2001 and 2017. Cases were divided into an assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment group (n = 15) and a non-ART treatment group (n = 260). We compared the recurrence rate, survival rate and pregnancy outcomes between these two groups.

RESULTS

The ART group had a higher recurrence rate (33.33% vs. 10.80%, P = 0.023). Survival analysis indicated that the recurrence time in patients undergoing ART was significantly shorter (P = 0.026). A low pregnancy rate before diagnosis, and high intraoperative blood loss, were associated with postoperative ART treatment (P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that ART treatment and bilateral lesions both significantly increased the risk of recurrence (P < 0.05). The pathological type of recurrent tumors was often the same as the initial tumor.

CONCLUSION

The postoperative use of ART in patients with BOT significantly increased the recurrence rate, but does not significantly affect the overall survival rate of patients. Therefore, ART in such patients should be individualized, and close follow-up is necessary after ART.

Staging for low malignant potential ovarian tumors: a global perspective

OBJECTIVE

We describe current evidence for staging low malignant potential ovarian tumors and their conformity to current consensus guidelines and practice from an international perspective.

DATA SOURCES

A search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and SCOPUS databases was conducted for articles published between January 1990 and April 2015.

STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Studies on low malignant potential ovarian tumors that evaluated the prognostic value of disease stage, staging vs no staging, complete vs incomplete staging, or discrete components of staging were eligible. Studies that described only crude survival rates were excluded.

STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS

Eligible studies were categorized according to their outcome (disease stage, staging procedure, or discrete staging elements). Data were abstracted using a standard form. Inconsistencies on data abstraction were resolved by consensus among the authors. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.

RESULTS

Of 1116 studies, 702 were excluded for irrelevance and 364 for not meeting inclusion criteria. Nine studies were excluded for describing crude survival rates without a comparative conclusion. We found that studies supporting the value of defining disease stage or staging procedures (mostly conducted in northern Europe) included more patients than studies that did not find disease stage or staging useful (predominantly from North America, 4072 vs 3951). Disease stage correlated with survival in 13 of 25 studies, whereas none of the studies that evaluated the value of staging found it beneficial (9 studies, 1979 patients). Studies that evaluated isolated components of staging found no benefit to these procedures. Regional guidelines and consensus reviews drew conclusions based on a limited number of studies that generally originated from the same region.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the correlation of stage with survival was mixed, performing staging procedures for low malignant potential ovarian tumors is not supported by the best available evidence. Guidelines in support of staging based their recommendations on a few regional studies and conflict with better-quality data that do not support staging procedures. An international consensus statement is needed to standardize the surgical management of low malignant potential ovarian tumors.

Assisted reproductive techniques after fertility-sparing treatments in gynaecological cancers

BACKGROUND

The trend toward late childbearing has made fertility preservation a major issue for women who face gynecological cancer. New techniques in assisted reproductive medicine enable conception after primary treatment of these cancers. Here, we aimed to review the efficacy and safety of assisted reproductive techniques (ART) after fertility-preserving treatment of gynaecological cancers.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic literature review of both prospective and retrospective studies in the PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL and SciSearch databases. In the retrieved studies, we evaluated live births, clinical pregnancies, overall survival and disease-free survival.

RESULTS

We identified many prospective and retrospective studies on this topic, but no relevant randomized clinical trials. Fertility-sparing treatments with safe oncological outcomes are feasible in endometrial, cervical and ovarian cancer cases. After cancer treatment, ART seem safe and show variable obstetrical outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

After fertility-preserving treatment for gynaecological cancers, ART can enable pregnancy to be achieved with apparent oncological safety. The success of such procedures should directly impact clinical practice and management of those patients who require fertility-sparing treatment.

Nomogram to predict recurrence in patients with early- and advanced-stage mucinous and serous borderline ovarian tumors

OBJECTIVE

Recurrence prediction is a cornerstone of patient management for borderline ovarian tumors. This study aimed to develop a nomogram predicting the recurrence probability in individual patients who had received primary surgical treatment.

STUDY DESIGN

This retrospective multicenter study included 186 patients with borderline ovarian tumor diagnosed from January 1980 through December 2008. A multivariate logistic regression analysis of selected prognostic features was performed and a nomogram to predict recurrence was constructed. The nomogram was internally validated.

RESULTS

The overall recurrence rate was 34.4% (64/186), with noninvasive and invasive forms in 29% (54/186) and 5.4% (10/186) of cases, respectively. International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage, age at diagnosis, histologic subtype, completeness of surgery, and type of surgery (radical vs fertility sparing) were associated with an increased risk of recurrence and were included in the nomogram. The predictive model had a concordance index of 0.78 (95% confidence interval, 0.76-0.80) and 0.77 (95% confidence interval, 0.75-0.79) before and after the 200 repetitions of bootstrap sample corrections, respectively, and showed good calibration.

CONCLUSION

Our results support the use of the present nomogram based on 5 clinical and pathological characteristics to predict recurrence probability with a high concordance, hence to inform patients on surgical management. External validation is required to recommend this nomogram in routine practice.

Fertility and borderline ovarian tumor: a systematic review of conservative management, risk of recurrence and alternative options

BACKGROUND

The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the fertility outcome after borderline ovarian tumor (BOT) management and the results of conservative management, risk of recurrence and alternative options.

METHODS

The search strategy was based on relevant terms concerning BOT using Medline and the Central Cochrane Library. Both early and advanced stages of serous and mucinous BOT were included, but not rare entities such as endometrioid, Brenner or clear-cell BOT because of their low incidence. We considered all articles-case reports, original studies, meta-analyses and reviews-in English and French.

RESULTS

Overall, 230 articles were screened of which 120 were retained for review. Most pregnancies were spontaneous but some data were obtained from studies analyzing the contribution of assisted reproductive technology (ART). However, not all studies differentiated spontaneous pregnancy from those obtained after fertility treatment including ovulation induction, intrauterine insemination and IVF. Conservative management of early stage BOT resulted in a pooled estimate for spontaneous pregnancy rate of 54% with a low risk of lethal recurrence (pooled estimate: 0.5%). In patients with advanced stage BOT, the spontaneous pregnancy rates was lower (34% in the single series reporting pregnancy rate in this context) and the risk of lethal recurrence increased (pooled estimate: 2%).

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review underlines that fertility subsequent to treatment of BOT depends mainly on histology and initial staging to distinguish early from advanced stages. In patients with advanced stage BOT, several alternative options to conservative management are available to allow patients to conceive without compromising their prognosis.

Recommendations of the Fertility Task Force of the European Society of Gynecologic Oncology about the conservative management of ovarian malignant tumors

In young patients with borderline ovarian tumor a conservative treatment approach does not seem to have a significant impact on survival, and the outcome regarding fertility is good in general. It can be considered even if noninvasive peritoneal implants are discovered at the time of the initial surgery. In contrast, in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer, conservative surgery should be considered only in adequately staged patients, with a stage IA grade 1 (and probably 2) serous, mucinous or an endometrioid tumor, including a careful follow-up. Such an approach could also probably be discussed in stage IC grade 1 disease.In patients with nonepithelial malignant ovarian tumors, conservative surgery is also feasible, particularly in patients with malignant germ cell tumors because of their high chemosensitivity leading to an excellent prognosis in general.

Fertility outcome after conservative surgery for borderline ovarian tumors: a single center experience

OBJECTIVE

The present study aims to document the experience of a single center on the reproductive outcome of a cohort of women who were treated with conservative surgery for borderline ovarian tumors and to specify whether their fertility potential is associated with age, tumor histology and surgery type.

METHODS

A total of 55 women who had undergone conservative surgery for borderline ovarian tumors between January 1999 and January 2009 were eligible. Recurrence rate, fertility outcome and the number of pregnancies were analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTS

Among the study group, 11 women were not sexually active both at the time of surgery and during the follow-up period. Thus, a total of 44 patients attempted pregnancy after conservative surgery and 52.3% of them (23 out of 44) were able to conceive either spontaneously or by in vitro fertilization. The ability to conceive was shown to be associated with age, tumor histology and type of conservative surgery. As expected, the fertility potential correlated positively with decreasing age (correlation coefficient = 0.705, p = 0.001). Moreover, the existence of non-serous histology and the implementation of unilateral cystectomy were found to be associated with the ability to reach a clinical pregnancy (correlation coefficient = 0.585, p = 0.001 and correlation coefficient = 0.587, p = 0.001, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The primary treatment of borderline ovarian tumors refers to conservative surgery. Younger age, non-serous histology and unilateral cystectomy appear to be associated with favorable reproductive outcome in women who undergo conservative surgery for borderline malignancy of ovary.

Pediatric borderline ovarian tumors: a retrospective analysis

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Borderline ovarian tumors (BOTs) are uncommon in the pediatric population, and there have been limited studies that have included a small number of patients. In present study, we evaluated the clinical outcomes and the rates of recurrence of pediatric BOTs with larger sample size than those in previous studies.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed on 29 patients who were treated for histopathologically confirmed BOTs at our institution between January 1997 and December 2009.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine patients (median age, 18 years) had a large-sized tumor (median, 19.8 cm). Abdominal pain was the most common symptom, seen in 82.8% of the patients, followed by abdominal distension. The permanent section histology revealed 25 mucinous (86.2%) and 4 serous type tumors (13.8%). There was considerable discordance between the permanent and frozen sections (rate of concordance, 55.1%). Disease stage was IA in 26 patients (89.7%) and stage IC in the other 3 patients (10.3%). All patients underwent fertility-preserving surgery. Overall, 4 patients (13.8%) experienced a clinically suspicious recurrence requiring surgery. In 2 cases, the suspected recurrences were found to be other benign ovarian tumors. In one case that was initially treated with left ovarian cystectomy for a mucinous BOT, subsequent left salpingo-oophorectomy confirmed recurrence of a mucinous BOT at 16-month follow-up. The last case was a newly developed primary ovarian mucinous carcinoma with no evidence of recurrence of a previous mucinous BOT at 26-month follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that BOTs in pediatric populations can be successfully treated conservatively to preserve fertility with no apparent increased risk of morbidity or mortality compared with those of more radical surgical options.

[French recommendations for ovarian cancer management during pregnancy]

Evaluation of the fetus using prenatal ultrasound has resulted in increased detection of asymptomatic adnexal masses during pregnancy. Such masses are rarely malignant (1/10 000 to 1/50 000 pregnancies), but the possibility of borderline or cancer must be considered. It is a common assumption by both patients and physicians that if an ovarian cancer is diagnosed during pregnancy, treatment necessitates sacrificing the well-being of the fetus. However, in most cases, it is possible to offer appropriate treatment to the mother without placing the fetus at serious risk. The care of a pregnant woman with cancer involves evaluation of sometimes competing maternal and fetal risks and benefits. These recommendation approaches attempt to balance these risks and benefits; however, they should be considered advisory and should not replace specific interdisciplinary consultation with specialists in maternal-fetal medicine, gynecologic oncology, and pediatrics, as well as imaging and pathology, as needed. Second level ultrasound including Doppler is needed. MRI is not often necessary, and CA 125 is of low contribution. We suggest surgery be performed after 15 SA for ovarian masses which (1) persist into the second trimester, (2) are greater than 5 to 10 cm in diameter, or (3) have solid or mixed solid and cystic ultrasound characteristics. During antepartum surgical staging and debulking, homolateral salpingo-oophorectomy and peritoneal cytology and exploration are necessary. Women found to have advanced stage epithelial ovarian cancer should consider having completion of the debulking of the reproductive organs at the conclusion of the pregnancy. If chemotherapy is indicated, we recommend delaying administration, if possible, after the delivery or at least after 20 SA in order to minimize the potential fetal toxicity.

Pregnancy rates after conservative treatment for borderline ovarian tumours: a systematic review

Borderline ovarian tumours account for 10-15% of all ovarian cancers, and there have been numerous studies indicating their excellent long-term prognosis. As this disease commonly affects younger women, the issue of fertility-preserving surgery is increasingly important. A systematic review of the literature, searching the relevant electronic databases was performed analysing conservative surgery, borderline ovarian tumours and pregnancy rates/fertility outcome. Overall, 19 studies met the inclusion criteria. From these studies, 2479 patients had borderline ovarian tumours of which 923 (37%) patients were treated by conservative surgery. Nine studies recorded data regarding pregnancy outcome. A pregnancy rate of 48% was calculated on these data, where recorded, analysing the number of women wanting to conceive and the actual number of pregnancies achieved. The recurrence rate after conservative treatment was 16% with only five recorded disease-related deaths. Knowledge of the pregnancy rates is important to permit appropriate counselling of women diagnosed with this malignancy.

The management of borderline tumours of the ovary

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The treatment of borderline ovarian tumours has been similar to that for their invasive counterparts for a long time. However, in view of the good prognosis for borderline ovarian tumours, their occurrence in a younger age group and the development of less invasive techniques, the question can be asked as to whether a more conservative treatment is warranted.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent articles discuss the mode of surgery (laparotomy or laparoscopy), the possibility of fertility-sparing surgery, the need for restaging procedures and adjuvant therapy.

SUMMARY

The ultimate goal in treating patients with borderline ovarian cancer is defining those patients with bad prognostic factors and risk for recurrence and who consequently require more aggressive therapy. A proper staging procedure is crucial to estimate the risk. Translational research might help identify borderline tumours with poor prognosis. Fertility-sparing surgery is often a good option in young patients with Fédération International de Gynécologie et Obstétrie (FIGO) stage I disease or in selected cases with noninvasive implants, since long-term survival does not seem to be negatively influenced by conservative surgery.

Safety of simple cystectomy in patients with unilateral mucinous borderline tumors

OBJECTIVE

To report on ovarian carcinoma development after cystectomy for a borderline mucinous ovarian tumor.

DESIGN

Case report.

SETTING

A French comprehensive cancer center.

PATIENT(S)

One patient who developed recurrence in the form of an invasive ovarian carcinoma after simple cystectomy for a borderline mucinous ovarian tumor.

INTERVENTION(S)

Simple cystectomy.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Clinical outcome.

RESULT(S)

A 22-year-old nulliparous patient underwent laparoscopic cystectomy. Histological examination revealed a borderline mucinous ovarian tumor. No additional treatment was prescribed. Two years later, the patient relapsed with a malignant mucinous ovarian carcinoma. She underwent surgical resection and staging, including hysterectomy, bilateral adnexectomy, omentectomy, and pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy, and platinum-based chemotherapy.

CONCLUSION(S)

Recurrence in the form of invasive ovarian carcinoma may occur in the same ovary after cystectomy in cases of borderline mucinous ovarian tumor. An approach combining systematic unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and strict monitoring is preferable to simple cystectomy. Such treatment enables preservation of reproductive potential and reduces the risk of developing invasive carcinoma.

Preservation of ovarian function, reproductive ability and emotional attitudes in patients with malignant ovarian tumors

OBJECTIVES

Although cancer is predominantly a disease of aging, an increasing number of women survive malignancies before or during their reproductive years, which may interfere with their fertility potential. Although a variety of studies have tried to document the impact of conservative treatment aimed at preserving ovarian function and reproductive ability, little information has been available regarding survivors' attitudes, emotions, and choices to have children. The aim of this study is to evaluate the reproductive history, experiences, attitudes, and emotions with regard to having children in conservatively treated patients with Stage I epithelial ovarian cancer, any stage LMP tumors, malignant ovarian germ cell tumors (MOGCTs) and Stage I sex cord-stromal tumors (SCSTs).

STUDY DESIGN

Between 1986 and 2000, a total of 75 patients with primary malignant ovarian tumors underwent conservative treatment. Out of 75 patients in the study, 14 women (19%) presented Stage I epithelial ovarian cancer, 23 (31%) LMP tumors, 33 (43%) MOGCTs, and five (7%) SCSTs. Information was obtained from medical records and from a questionnaire mailed to all patients who were at least 15 years old at the time of the diagnosis (68 subjects). Median time of follow-up was 102 months (35-192 months). There were four (5.2%) clinical recurrences within 35 months. Only 20 patients (49%) had tried to conceive after the completion of their treatment; of these, 15 women (75%) succeeded and delivered 19 healthy children. Seventy percent (32/41) of the respondents claimed that their disease did not have any impact on their desire to have children. Whereas 51% (21/41) fear that their ovarian disease could have damaged their reproductive potential, 76% (31/41) are not concerned about the effects of the treatment they received on offspring. The impact of the disease on the patients' attitudes toward life was reported as positive.

CONCLUSION

The results from our study, in agreement with the data from the literature, confirm that management of Stage I (grade 1, grade 2) epithelial ovarian cancer, any stage LMP tumors, MOGCTs and Stage I SCSTs with fertility-sparing surgery is a safe, practicable treatment option. Though preliminary, this survey provides insight into the attitudes and experiences of young women ovarian cancer survivors regarding fertility.

Borderline tumours of the ovary and fertility

Standard management of borderline ovarian tumours (BOT) is historically radical and based on hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and peritoneal staging. But, as 1/3 of BOTs are diagnosed in patients aged less than 40 years, treatments preserving fertility-potential (with preservation of the uterus and at least part of one ovary) has seen great developments in the last decade. Such treatments increase the rate of recurrences (between 15% and 35% depending on the type of conservative surgery), but without any impact on patient survival as most recurrent diseases are of the borderline type, easily curable and with excellent prognosis. The spontaneous pregnancy rate is nearly 50%. In case of persistent infertility, it seems that the use of ovarian induction or in vitro fertilization procedures could be proposed in selected cases. Follow-up is essential and based on clinical examination and routine ultrasonography. The interest of completion surgery (removal of the retained ovary) in patients who obtained pregnancy remains debated. In conclusion, conservative management of at least part of one ovary and uterus could be safely proposed at least to patients with early stage BOT, in order to preserve fertility-potential. The rate of recurrence is increased but without any impact on survival.

Malignant Adnexal Masses in Pregnancy

Ovarian tumors during pregnancy are very rare; however, a cancer diagnosis causes distress to the couple. Reassurance is paramount, and the first consideration should be given to the safety of the mother. If both mother and fetus can be preserved, treatment to minimize the risks to both should be planned accordingly. It is imperative to care for the patient with a multidisciplinary team that includes a high-risk obstetrician, a gynecologic oncologist, and a medical oncologist specialized in gynecologic cancers.

Management of borderline ovarian tumors: results of an Italian multicenter study

OBJECTIVE

A rising number of patients affected by ovarian masses suspected of borderline ovarian tumor are operated on primary laparoscopic procedure.

METHODS

From January 1992 to June 2004, 113 patients affected by low malignant ovarian tumor were followed at the Gynecologic Departments of five Italian Institutions. Fifty-two (46.0%) patients were operated on laparoscopic surgery, whereas traditional laparotomic approach was preferred in 61 cases (54%). In 53 patients (46.9%), a fertility-sparing surgical treatment was chosen.

RESULTS

The diameter of the ovarian cysts ranged between 20 and 300 mm; in 20 out 113 patients (17.7%), the borderline tumor was bilateral. In 22/113 (19.5%) cases, we observed tumor rupture or spilling during surgery, and this incidence was greater in the group of patients treated by laparoscopy compared to laparotomy, and this difference is statistically significative. In 13/113 (11.5%) patients, we observed a relapse; the incidence of relapse, however, is not dependent on the type of surgical approach. The progression-free survival is higher for stages IA-IC if compared to stages more than Ist and the difference is statistically significant. Type of surgical approach, laparoscopic versus laparotomic, does not seem to influence the PFS; when cystectomy is performed, the PFS is significantly lower if compared with demolitive surgery or monolateral annessectomy. Eight pregnancies were obtained: in one case, miscarriage was observed, whereas 7 healthy babies were born all but two by vaginal delivery.

CONCLUSIONS

Conservative laparoscopic surgery may be the treatment of choice; an attractive option is that this surgery should be performed by an oncologist surgeon to obtain correct surgical staging and better results in terms of both relapse-free survival and pregnancies.

Conservative surgery for borderline ovarian tumors: a review

OBJECTIVE

Borderline tumor of the ovary is an epithelial tumor with a low rate of growth and a low potential to invade or metastasize. This review will outline the most recent information regarding the molecular pathogenesis, pathology, fertility and tumor recurrence rate after conservative management of young women with early-stage borderline ovarian tumors.

METHODS

We performed a MEDLINE literature search of relevant clinical trials for the scope of this review that evaluated conservative treatment of borderline ovarian tumors for young women with low-stage disease who wish to preserve their fertility.

RESULTS

Recently, investigators have begun to identify subsets of patients with a worse prognosis, such as patients with aneuploid tumors. A number of oncogenes are under investigation to determine their role in the pathogenesis of borderline ovarian tumors. Previous studies have suggested the safety of conservative surgery with unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy or cystectomy for patients with stage I borderline ovarian tumors. Laparoscopic treatment of adnexal masses has proved to be a safe and effective diagnostic and therapeutic tool in the hands of experienced laparoscopists. For women who are treated conservatively, follow-up is important. Surgery remains the most effective therapy for later stage lesions. Adjuvant therapy for advanced stage of borderline ovarian tumors remains controversial.

CONCLUSION

Conservative management of borderline ovarian tumors is an appropriate therapeutic option for young women with early-stage lesions who wish to preserve their childbearing potential. Available data indicate that in these patients fertility, pregnancy outcome and survival remain excellent.

Safety and efficacy of infertility treatment after conservative management of borderline ovarian tumors: A preliminary report

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of infertility treatment in a group of patients after conservative management of borderline ovarian tumors.

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

SETTING

University IVF unit.

PATIENT(S)

Five patients with previous conservative treatment of borderline ovarian tumor.

INTERVENTION(S)

Seventeen IVF cycles.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Recurrence, IVF outcome.

RESULT(S)

At the time of diagnosis, the mean age of the patients was 32.2 +/- 6.9 years. The mean time elapsed between the initial diagnosis of a borderline tumor and the performance of IVF was 42.2 months. After IVF, the mean number of oocytes retrieved was 7.9 +/- 4.0 with a mean fertilization rate of 57.1% and a mean number of 3.1 +/- 1.4 day 3 embryos transferred. Six pregnancies were achieved in three of the five patients with a pregnancy rate per retrieval of 37.5% and per transfer of 42.9%. The mean follow-up time that elapsed since the first IVF cycle was 39.2 months (range 9-78 months). One patient had three recurrences 13, 27, and 43 months after her first IVF cycle, all of which remained histologically serous borderline tumor. All patients were without evidence of disease at the time of last follow-up.

CONCLUSION(S)

At a mean follow-up time of 39.2 months, our results suggest that IVF may be considered for patients with conservatively treated borderline tumors. Furthermore, overall IVF success rates were very satisfactory, suggesting no perceptible negative impact of prior borderline ovarian neoplasia on pregnancy rates after IVF.

Impact of surgical staging in patients with macroscopic “stage I” ovarian borderline tumours: analysis of a continuous series of 101 cases

The aim of this study was to assess the patient's clinical outcome following complete or incomplete surgical staging in cases treated for an early stage low-malignant-potential ovarian tumour (LMPOT). One-hundred and one patients treated between 1965 and 1998 for a early stage I LMPOT were reviewed according to whether the initial surgical staging was complete (Group 1/defined by peritoneal cytology + peritoneal biopsies + infracolic omentectomy) or incomplete (Group 2/omission of at least one of the peritoneal staging procedures described above). Complete and incomplete surgical stagings were carried out in 48 (48%) and 53 (52%) patients, respectively. Four (8%) LMPOT recurrences were observed in Group 2, all following conservative management, but there were no recurrences in Group 1. No relapses with invasive carcinoma or peritoneal disease and no tumour-related deaths were observed. The absence of complete peritoneal staging in patients with an apparent "stage I" LMPOT increased the recurrence rate. However, this surgical restaging (in cases of incomplete initial surgery) does not modify the survival of patients with apparent "stage I" LMPOT misdiagnosed during the initial surgery. This procedure could probably be omitted: (1) if the peritoneum is clearly reported as "normal" during the initial surgery; (2) in the absence of a micropapillary pattern; and (3) if the patient agrees to be carefully followed-up.