OPERATIVE LAPAROSCOPY IN THE MANAGEMENT OF OVARIAN-CANCER

Advances in operative laparoscopic techniques have made possible the e xtension of this technology to the treatment of women with ovarian can cer. We present a detailed case series of eight patients with ovarian cancer who underwent a total of Ii operative laparoscopies for treatme nt of ovarian cancer ranging in stage from IA to IIIC. Three patients underwent initial laparoscopic staging and therapeutic debulking proce dures. In three other cases that were incompletely staged via laparoto my, laparoscopy was used to complete the staging. Interval laparoscopi c tumor debulking combined with second-look laparoscopy was performed in four cases. We describe our experience with these new applications of evolving techniques with particular regard to potential advantages, disadvantages, and complications. This detailed preliminary case seri es suggests the need for prospective clinical studies to establish the safety and efficacy of the approach.