[The role of laparoscopy in ovarian carcinoma]

Diagnostic laparoscopy is a standard in the surgical management of adnexal masses, and is a tool in the diagnosis of early ovarian cancers. On the other hand, there are a lot of limitations to the use of laparoscopic surgery in the management of early ovarian cancer, and open surgery remains a standard. Laparoscopic surgery is used in there assessment of inadequately staged apparently early ovarian cancers. In the case of obviously advanced ovarian cancer, laparoscopic examination may help to decide whether to propose upfront surgery or neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Laparoscopy may also be used in the follow up of previously treated patients. Prophylactic oophorectomy is routinely performed using laparoscopic surgery.