Surgical technique of visceral segmental serosectomy for advanced ovarian cancer

Tumors infiltrating the recto-sigmoid colon are commonly detected during cytoreductive surgery in patients with advanced ovarian cancer. Although radical excision using low anterior resection (LAR) is traditionally needed for optimal cytoreduction in the patients, LAR commonly decrease postoperative quality of life by changes of bowel habit. Since there is increasing evidence that conservative ablation of tumors on the recto-sigmoid colon may be safe and effective like LAR without compromising quality of life, we developed the surgical technique of visceral segmental serosectomy (VSS) as one of conservative ablation methods for complete resection of serosal implants on the recto-sigmoid colon and scrupulous restoration of extended serosal defect after resection. Thus, this video will show the step by step procedure of VSS during cytoreductive surgery for advanced ovarian cancer.