The role of cytoreductive surgery in advanced carcinoma of the ovary: an analysis of primary and second surgery.

Second operations were performed as part of planned management in 53 patients 5-7 months after starting apparently successful chemotherapy. The survival of these patients is compared with 56 other patients who did not have a second laparotomy but appeared to be responding to chemotherapy equally well. Survival advantage was seen for those who had a partial remission followed by a further debulking procedure later. However, those patients who have a clinical complete remission do not seem to benefit from a second surgical intervention.