Effectiveness and Safety of Cytoreduction Surgery in Advanced Ovarian Cancer: Initial Experience at a University General Hospital

Abstract

Background: The aim of the study was to evaluate the initial efficiency and security of maximal effort cytoreductive surgery in stages III and IV of ovarian cancer at a university hospital. Methods: Thirty-four patients with stage III and IV ovarian carcinoma underwent surgery between January 2013 and June 2014 in the University General Hospital of Castellon (Spain). Patients with primary and relapse ovarian cancer were included. The extent of disease, type of surgical technique, amount of tumor prior to surgery and amount of residual disease after surgery were recorded. To quantify the efficiency and the security of the procedure, the complete cytoreduction and the morbidity and the mortality rates were described. Results: Of the patients 26.4% received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Complete cytoreductive surgery, without evident residual tumor at the end of the procedure, was obtained in 79% of patients and optimal cytoreductive surgery (CC0-CC1) in 91%. Surgical complications were found in 56% of patients and two deaths (6%) occurred attributable to surgery. The disease free interval was 15 months. Conclusions: This study confirms that with experienced multidisciplinary teams and in tertiary referral hospitals, 79% of complete cytoreduction surgery in advanced ovarian cancer can be achieved but they must be prepared to deal with a high rate of complications. J Clin Gynecol Obstet. 2015;4(3):251-257 doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.14740/jcgo345w