Surgical management of the subdiaphragmatic mass: a sequential combined approach with laparoscopy followed by posterior thoracotomy

Int J Gynecol Cancer. 2009 Feb;19(2):294-9. doi: 10.1111/IGC.0b013e31819c13f5.

Abstract

Recurrent ovarian cancer in the upper abdomen involving the liver parenchyma and diaphragmatic muscle traditionally requires a major abdominal surgical procedure; this involves pubis to xyphoid incision and complete mobilization of the liver. We present a strategy for evaluating 4 cases with apparently isolated recurrence to the diaphragm and liver approached by a sequential 2-phase procedure, involving diagnostic laparoscopy and subsequent posterior lateral thoracotomy. Preliminary diagnostic laparoscopy was performed to distinguish candidates for either definitive laparoscopic treatment or posterior thoracotomy. Two patients with disease confined to the diaphragm were successfully treated by laparoscopy alone, whereas full-thickness diaphragmatic resection and liver metastasis excision with cavitational ultrasonic surgical aspirator was performed in the other 2 patients. Argon beam coagulation was used to control local hemostasis and to fulgurate any possible residual tumor at the margin of resection. This is a multidisciplinary approach that is technically feasible and safe, requiring a short hospital stay.

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / diagnosis
  • Adenocarcinoma / drug therapy
  • Adenocarcinoma / surgery*
  • Algorithms
  • Decision Making
  • Diaphragm / surgery
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Laparoscopy*
  • Liver Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Liver Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Liver Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Middle Aged
  • Muscle Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Muscle Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Muscle Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Thoracotomy*