Laparoscopic staging of intraabdominal malignancy.
Laparoscopic visualization techniques have improved dramatically over the last 5 years and have led to reassessment of the laparoscope for use in the staging of intraabdominal malignancy. One hundred sixty-two consecutive cases undergoing preoperative staging laparoscopy from January 1988 to December 1993 were reviewed in order to determine the value of laparoscopy as a staging tool. Indications for staging laparoscopy were predominantly hepatopancreaticobiliary (85%); however, other primaries such as stomach and colon were included. In 36% of cases information found at laparoscopy precluded resection and prevented unnecessary laparotomy. Additional information that was felt to be helpful in planning resection was found in 30% of cases. In 12% of cases unresectability was found only at the time of laparotomy and was missed by staging laparoscopy. We conclude that laparoscopy is a useful preoperative staging tool and can help avoid unnecessary laparotomy for intraabdominal malignancy in one-third of patients.
Hemming
A W
AW
Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
Nagy
A G
AG
Scudamore
C H
CH
Edelmann
K
K
D000008:Abdominal Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D000368:Aged; D004064:Digestive System / Q000473:pathology; D004067:Digestive System Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D007813:Laparotomy; D008099:Liver / Q000473:pathology; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D011300:Preoperative Care