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Second-look laparotomy for epithelial ovarian cancer: A reappraisal

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Abstract

Although second-look laparotomy (SSL) has been used in the management of ovarian cancer for over three decades, its current clinical use is limited. On average, over 50% of patients with a clinical complete response are noted to have disease at the time of SLL, emphasizing our lack of accurate noninvasive methods for determining pathologic response. Although findings at SLL have some prognostic significance, there is no definitive evidence that those patients undergoing SLL have improved survival, and even 50% of patients with negative findings at SLL have recurrences. The lack of survival advantage for patients enduring SLL highlights the need to identify consistently effective salvage and consolidation regimens. Few published studies provide definitive evidence regarding efficacy of treatment. Prospective, randomized, controlled trials are needed to evaluate the various therapies available. In general, the performance of SLL should be confined to those patients enrolled in clinical trials.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Pennsylvania MedicalCenter, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce Street, 19104, Philadelphia, PA, USA

    Christina S. Chu MD & Stephen C. Rubin MD

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  1. Christina S. Chu MD
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  2. Stephen C. Rubin MD
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Chu, C.S., Rubin, S.C. Second-look laparotomy for epithelial ovarian cancer: A reappraisal. Curr Oncol Rep 3, 11–18 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11912-001-0037-0

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