[The value of preoperative diagnosis before second-look laparotomy in ovarian cancer]

In a retrospective analysis, the diagnostic validity of computed tomography (CT), sonography (US), CA 125 and CEA serum levels in the detection of tumor-masses were evaluated in 135 patients with primary ovarian cancer. A second-look-laparotomy followed in each patient and the surgical-pathological findings were correlated to preoperative results. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of the different methods were as follows: CT (n = 102) 70%, 65%, 68%, 67%, US (n = 97) 52%, 94%, 94%, 49%, CA 125 serum levels (n = 76) 55%, 100%, 100%, 58%, CEA serum levels (n = 40) 15%, 86%, 67%, 35%. CT, US and CA 125-serum levels appear to be suitable for routine control in ovarian cancer, but cannot replace the diagnostic value of a second-look-laparotomy.