Subtotal Colectomy as Part of Debulking Surgery for Advanced-stage Ovarian Cancer

Abstract

Background/aim: The presence of extensive lesions of peritoneal carcinomatosis is found in a significant number of cases of extended digestive resection surgery, such as subtotal colectomy. The aim of this study was to report a series of 17 cases that necessitated performing subtotal colectomy as part of cytoreductive surgery for advanced-stage ovarian cancer.

Patients and methods: Between 2012 and 2020 subtotal colectomy was associated as part of the debulking effort in 17 cases.

Results: The median age at the time of surgery was 59 years, while the initial stage at the time of diagnosis was IIIC in 14 cases, and respectively IV in three cases. Optimal debulking surgery was achieved in all cases. The continuity of the digestive tract was reestablished in 11 cases, while in the remaining 6 cases a terminal ileostomy was performed.

Conclusion: Extended digestive tract resections may be needed in certain cases in order to maximize the debulking effort in patients with advanced-stage ovarian cancer.

Keywords: Subtotal colectomy; ovarian cancer; peritoneal carcinomatosis.