Microlaparoscopy: a new approach to the reassessment of ovarian cancer patients.
BACKGROUND
The purpose of the work was to determine the feasibility and accuracy of microlaparoscopy as diagnostic method for the reassessment of ovarian cancer patients.


METHODS
Eight patients scheduled for second-look laparoscopy who had undergone primary surgery for ovarian cancer followed by 6 cycles of chemotherapy were included in the study. Microlaparoscopy was performed using a 2.8 mm laparoscope followed by conventional 10-mm laparoscopy. Three additional 5-mm ancillary trocars were inserted to perform intraabdominal biopsies. Pelvic washings were performed in all cases.


RESULTS
Microlaparoscopy was feasible in all cases and as accurate as conventional laparoscopy in seven cases. In one case the procedure was terminated before conventional laparoscopy because of positive biopsies at frozen section examination. There were no intra-operative complications related to microlaparoscopy. The median time from skin incision to the removal of the microlaparoscope was 47 minutes (range 30-70).


CONCLUSIONS
Microlaparoscopy seems to be a safe, accurate, minimally invasive method and therefore we suggest its use as primary approach to the reassessment of ovarian cancer patients.
Franchi
M
M
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy.
Ghezzi
F
F
Beretta
P
P
Donadello
N
N
Miglierina
M
M
Zanaboni
F
F
D000368:Aged; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001706:Biopsy; D016190:Carboplatin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017024:Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000601:surgery; D018297:Neoplasms, Cystic, Mucinous, and Serous / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000601:surgery; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000601:surgery; D017239:Paclitaxel / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012086:Reoperation; D014743:Videotape Recording
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; D016190:Carboplatin; D017239:Paclitaxel