Splenectomy and surgical cytoreduction for ovarian cancer

The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of splenectomy, as a surrogate marker for aggressive tumor cytoreduction in ovarian cancer, and its impact on patient morbidity and survival.

A retrospective cohort study of 35 patients who underwent splenectomy for ovarian cancer cytoreduction between August 1986 and May 1998 was performed. Data abstracted from the medical record included patient demographics, preoperative imaging, surgical procedures, tumor distribution, postoperative complications, chemotherapy treatment, and follow-up information.

Splenectomy was performed in 13 patients at the time of primary cytoreduction and in 22 patients at the time of secondary cytoreduction. Preoperative diagnosis of splenic involvement was frequently made prior to secondary surgery, 77.3% compared to 15.4% of primary cases. In addition, parenchymal splenic involvement was more commonly observed at recurrence, 59.1% vs 23.1% at initial presentation. Disease distribution in secondary cytoreduction cases tended to be more focal, macronodular, and have no ascites. Cytoreduction to less than 1 cm disease was achieved in 100% of primary patients and 86% of secondary patients. Major morbidity (pneumonia, PE, sepsis, pancreatitis, MI) occurred in 23.1% of primary patients and 28.6% of secondary patients. Combining splenectomy with other cytoreductive procedures may make splenectomy itself seem more morbid. With a 17-month median follow-up, median progression-free interval was 24 months in primary patients and 14 months in secondary patients. Among secondary patients, median survival time after splenectomy and cytoreduction was 41 months.

Splenectomy at the time of primary and secondary cytoreduction for ovarian cancer can be performed with acceptable morbidity. Secondary cytoreduction patients may be selected preoperatively by their progression-free interval, prior degree of cytoreduction, and macronodular tumor involvement on imaging studies. Identification of splenic involvement allows for appropriate counseling and preoperative preparation.