Cytoreductive surgery in the treatment of advanced ovarian carcinoma. Some controversial aspects.

Primary cytoreductive surgery in the treatment of advanced ovarian carcinoma is widely accepted and practiced. Its value has however never been established by controlled trials and the concept is therefore not unchallenged. Data with regard to the benefit of interval and secondary debulking are limited and often conflicting. Prospective randomized studies specifically designed to elucidate the controversies relevant to cytoreductive surgery are warranted.