Risk factors of pleural effusion after cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy in late-stage and recurrent ovarian cancer

Background: Pleural effusion (PE) is one of the most common complications of advanced recurrent ovarian cancer. However, no studies have revealed the risk factors for PE after surgery. The purpose of this study is to observe the incidence and risk factors of PE after cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) in patients with late-stage and recurrent ovarian cancer.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of 77 patients with late-stage and recurrent ovarian cancer after CRS + HIPEC was conducted. According to the presence of PE within 7 days after operation, two groups were formed. The basic information, surgical process, and laboratory examinations of the two groups were analyzed and compared to conduct a regression analysis.

Results: The incidence of postoperative PE was 57.1% (44/77 patients). Among these patients, the prevalence of grade I-II and grade III-IV PE was 42.8% (33/77 patients) and 14.3% (11/77 patients), respectively. There were statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of preoperative PE, the duration of surgery, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative level of albumin, intestinal involvement, and diaphragmatic involvement. Among these, preoperative PE and diaphragmatic involvement were identified as independent risk factors of postoperative PE.

Conclusions: Patients with late-stage and recurrent ovarian cancer invariably develop postoperative PE after CRS + HIPEC. Preoperative PE and diaphragmatic involvement are independent risk factors of postoperative PE. It is estimated that the incidence of postoperative PE among patients with these two independent risk factors is approximately 100%. Hence, we should promote the prevention and treatment of PE to improve its prognosis.