Management of peritoneal surface malignancies in laparoscopic era: a concise review

Peritoneal carcinomatosis is seldom curable. Maximal cytoreductive surgery combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy has been used in efforts to improve survival. There has been a recent explosion of interest in this modality of treatment with various centers employing its use throughout the world. This is a complex procedure associated with significant morbidity and mortality. This makes patient selection very critical and hence there has been immense interest in the evaluation of various prognostic indicators being evaluated. In addition, with the advent of minimally invasive surgery, laparoscopy is being increasingly utilized in different capacity. Newer indications for treatment and possible prevention of peritoneal carcinomatosis are being evaluated especially in colorectal cancer. The aim of this brief review is to synthesize and present the recent data available regarding the outcomes and evolving trends associated with cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy.