Cytoreductive Surgery in the Management of Malignant Ascites From Adenocarcinoma of Unknown Primary (ACUP)

A case report is presented of a 62-year-old man with adenocarcinoma of unknown primary (ACUP) who was admitted with massive ascites from intraperitoneal carcinomatosis secondary to a gastrointestinal tract malignancy. A computed tomography scan of the abdomen and pelvis confirmed extensive neoplasm. A near-total omentectomy was performed, and he was given postoperative systemic chemotherapy. Although his expected survival was 3 to 6 months, he lived 20 months, enjoying a good quality of life until the end. Cytoreductive surgery should be offered to some patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis because it may provide significant palliation.