Another look at the second-assessment procedure for ovarian epithelial carcinoma

Over a 10-year period, 65 of 196 patients (33%) with ovarian epithelial malignancy, previously treated with chemotherapy, had a second-look operation if the disease was clinically absent. All procedures were done by one of three gynecologic oncologists, and 48% of the patients had a positive second-look procedure. Of patients with original stage I, II disease, 25% had a positive second-look operation, contrasting with 61% of patients with stage III, IV. Significant perioperative morbidity occurred: one patient had intraoperative vascular collapse; 15% had prolonged ileus; 17% had small bowel resections at the time of the second-look operation or in the postoperative period. Of all patients with negative second-look operations, 24% have had recurrent disease from 5 to 23 months after the procedure. These recurrences were in the liver or distant sites in 63% of the patients. Second-look operations, if still indicated by negative noninvasive techniques, should be performed in tertiary care centers under study situations in a standard fashion.