The incidence of major complications after the performance of extensive upper abdominal surgical procedures during primary cytoreduction of advanced ovarian, tubal, and peritoneal carcinomas

Objective.To assess the morbidity and mortality associated with extensive upper abdominal surgery (EUAS) performed during primary cytoreduction for advanced ovarian carcinoma.Methods.We identified all patients who underwent EUAS during primary cytoreduction for advanced ovarian, tubal, or peritoneal cancer at our institution from 1/01 to 12/06. Major grade 3–5 complications were those that led to invasive radiologic intervention, re-operation, unplanned ICU admission, chronic disability, or death within 30 days of surgery.Results.There were 141 eligible patients, with a median age of 60 years (range, 38–82). The majority of patients had stage IIIC disease, 103 (73%); serous histology, 131 (93%); and ascites, 118 (84%). There were 229 EUAS procedures performed—diaphragm peritonectomy, 101 (72%); splenectomy, 45 (32%); full-thickness diaphragm resection, 19 (14%); partial hepatectomy, 18 (13%); distal pancreatectomy, 17 (12%); cholecystectomy, 15 (11%); and resection of porta hepatis tumor, 14 (10%). Cytoreductive outcomes were: no gross residual, 42 (30%); residual ≤ 1 cm, 85 (60%); and residual > 1 cm, 14 (10%). Grade 3–5 complications occurred in 31 (22%) patients, including 2 mortalities (1.4%). In 21/31 (68%), the complication was successfully managed with percutaneous drainage of infected or non-infected collections. Overall median survival for all patients was 57 months.Conclusions.Rates of major morbidity and mortality following EUAS for primary cytoreduction were 22% and 1.4%, respectively. Approximately two-thirds of complications were readily managed by percutaneous drainage of collections. With an overall median survival of 57 months in a cohort of patients with a large tumor burden, this rate of morbidity and mortality appears acceptable.