Abdomino-pelvic computed tomography in the management of ovarian carcinoma.

121 CT scans were obtained in 75 women with ovarian cancer, including 108 scans of the abdomen and pelvis and 13 of the pelvis alone. 70 patients had epithelial carcinoma. In 48 cases, pelvic CT was performed within 3 weeks after surgery, confirming the operative findings in all but 6. In the abdomen, CT identified intrahepatic deposits and minimal ascites not seen at surgery; however, small peritoneal deposits not usually shown by CT were readily found at surgery. CT was superior to clinical examination, detecting unsuspected disease and delineating areas of known disease more accurately. It was also helpful in assessing suitability for repeat laparotomy. In 7 cases, CT demonstrated an operable lesion which had been thought to be inoperable. In 65 cases (59%), CT contributed additional information which was helpful in management, proving it to be an important noninvasive investigation in patients with ovarian carcinoma.