Background and aim: Many patients with appendix carcinoma develop peritoneal carcinomatosis with poor prognosis. The purpose of this study was to look for results of multimodality treatment in these patients.
Patients and methods: Data of 13 patients (11 men, 2 women, median age 58 years) with proven peritoneal carcinomatosis from appendiceal carcinoma, operated between 07/1995 and 10/1998 were analysed retrospectively with special regard to extent of resection, postoperative morbidity and mortality, survival.
Results: A macroscopically complete cytoreduction could be achieved in all patients by multivisceral resection with peritonectomy. Intraoperatively, after resection, an open, hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy with Cisplatin was performed. Morbidity and 90-days-mortality were 62% and 15%, respectively. After a median follow-up of 36 months all patients survived the therapy (excepting two postoperative deaths).
Conclusions: In selected patients with advanced appendix carcinoma and peritoneal carcinomatosis prognosis can be improved by peritonectomy with intraperitoneal hyperthermic chemotherapy. This results in high mortality and morbidity.