To reassess the role off SLO in the ovarian cancer, 96 patients who underwent second laparotomy from 1968 to 1987 in our department were studied. 59 out of 96 (60.5%) were completed primary surgery while rest of them (39.5%) were incompletely resected. SLO was carried out in 34 patients of former group (57.6%) and in 9 patients in later group (24.3%). Recurrence was found in 3 patients of complete primary surgery + SLO (group A) whereas 5 patients of incomplete primary surgery + SLO (group C). Recurrence rate was significantly lower in group A. There was no relationship between the site of recurrence and survival time. Until we obtain a good tool to detect recurrence site, SLO has an important role for the management of patients. Combination of radical debulking surgery and CAP regimen with 70 mg/m2 of CDDP at least for 2 years with SLO is considered to be important to improve prognosis and quality of life of ovarian cancer patients.