Role of appendectomy in predicting lymph node metastases in patients with ovarian cancer.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic accuracy of appendectomy in predicting lymph node metastases in women undergoing cytoreductive procedures for ovarian cancer.


METHODS
In 127 consecutive patients with ovarian carcinoma appendectomy was performed in 30 patients over a period of 5 years. Eight of them were found to have metastases to the appendix. Pelvic and paraaortic lymphadenectomy was performed in 34 patients, in 24 of them the appendix was removed during primary surgery.


RESULTS
Among 19 patients without metastases to the appendix the lymph nodes were positive in five cases (26.3%) and among five patients with metastases to the appendix the lymph nodes were positive in four cases (80.0%), which is not a significant difference. Evaluation of the appendiceal metastases as a predictor of lymph node metastases in patients with ovarian cancer gives a sensitivity of 44%, a specificity of 93%, a positive predictive value of 80%, a negative predictive value of 74% and an accuracy of 75%.


CONCLUSIONS
The possibility of predicting retroperitoneal lymph node metastases in ovarian cancer on the basis of histological examination of the appendix is limited.
Takac
I
I
Gynecology and Perinatology Clinic, Maribor Teaching Hospital, Slovenia. iztok.takac@sb-mb.si
D000328:Adult; D001062:Appendectomy; D001063:Appendiceal Neoplasms / Q000556:secondary*; D018269:Carcinoma, Endometrioid / Q000473:pathology / Q000556:secondary; D018284:Cystadenocarcinoma, Serous / Q000473:pathology / Q000556:secondary; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008197:Lymph Node Excision; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*