Background: Optimally, secondary cytoreduction is acknowledged as a valid option in terms of oncologic outcome for patients with platinum-sensitive recurrent ovarian cancer. In cases of localized relapse, a laparoscopic approach has been attempted at various institutions, but studies on its role for this subset of patients still are limited. This report describes the authors' experience using laparoscopic secondary cytoreduction for patients with localized recurrent ovarian cancer. The results from a retrospective analysis of a prospective case series are reported.
Methods: Between October 2011 and May 2013, 29 patients with localized recurrent ovarian cancer were selected for a laparoscopic cytoreduction. Two conversions to laparotomy occurred. The analyzed outcome variables included stage and site of disease, type of surgical procedure, operative time, blood loss, length of hospital stay, complications, and oncologic outcome.
Results: The median operating time was 188 min. The median estimated blood loss was 150 mL, and the median hospital stay was 4 days. Complete debulking was achieved for 96.2% of the patients. No intraoperative complications occurred, and postoperative complications were noted in only one patient. The median disease-free survival time was 14 months.
Conclusions: For selected patients, laparoscopy is a feasible and safe approach to optimal cytoreduction for patients with localized recurrent ovarian cancer.