SURGERY IN OVARIAN-CANCER - THE CONCEPT OF CYTOREDUCTIVE SURGERY

Critical analysis of the collected evidence on cytoreductive surgery s uggests a median survival benefit of 9-12 months in combination with p latinum-based chemotherapy. Recently, a randomized study on the value of secondary cytoreduction showed a median survival benefit of 6 month s for those with small residual disease after the second operation. Pr imary cytoreduction is feasible in approximately 70% of patients, with an acceptable level of morbidity. The reported evidence justifies a s erious attempt at cytoreductive surgery at the first operation by an e xperienced gynaecological oncologist.