[Guidelines for Clinical Practice of the French College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists 2021: Prophylactic procedures associated with gynecologic surgery]. / Recommandations pour Pratique Clinique du Collège des Gynécologues Obstétriciens français 2021 : gestes prophylactiques associés en chirurgie gynécologique.

OBJECTIVE: To draw up recommendations on the use of prophylactic gynecologic procedures during surgery for other indications. DESIGN: A consensus panel of 19 experts was convened. A formal conflict of interest policy was established at the onset of the process and applied throughout. The entire study was performed independently without funding from pharmaceutical companies or medical device manufacturers. The panel applied the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) system to evaluate the quality of evidence on which the recommendations were based. The authors were advised against making strong recommendations in the presence of low-quality evidence. Some recommendations were ungraded. METHODS: The panel studied 22 key questions on seven prophylactic procedures: 1) salpingectomy, 2) fimbriectomy, 3) salpingo-oophorectomy, 4) ablation of peritoneal endometriosis, 5) adhesiolysis, 6) endometrial excision or ablation, and 7) cervical ablation. RESULTS: The literature search and application of the GRADE system resulted in 34 recommendations. Six were supported by high-quality evidence (GRADE 1+/-) and 28 by low-quality evidence (GRADE 2+/-). Recommendations on two questions were left ungraded due to a lack of evidence in the literature. CONCLUSIONS: A high level of consensus was achieved among the experts regarding the use of prophylactic gynecologic procedures. The ensuing recommendations should result in improved current practice.

How to predict para-aortic node involvement in advanced cervical cancer? Development of a predictive score. A FRANCOGYN study.

INTRODUCTION: Node involvement is one of the main prognostic factors for cervical cancer. Para-aortic lymph node (PALN) assessment is crucial for treating advanced cervical cancer, to define irradiation fields. Objective of this study was to develop a score predicting para-aortic lymph node involvement in patients with advanced cervical cancer. PATIENTS AND METHOD: We performed a multicenter, retrospective, study on 9 French centers from 2000 to 2015, including patients with advanced squamous cell cervix carcinoma who had PALN status assessed by imaging and/or by surgery. Factors associated with a risk of PALN involvement were determined by univariate and multivariate analysis using a logistic regression model. A score was then developed and validated. RESULTS: A total of 1446 patients treated for cervical cancer were included. Of these, 498 had an advanced squamous cell cervical cancer. Ninety-one patients (18.3%) had positive PALN. After univariate and multivariate analysis, tumor size on pelvic MRI, initial SCC, and suspected pelvic node involvement on PET-CT were included in our score. This model allowed the population to be divided into 3 risk groups. Area under the ROC curve of the score was 0.81 (95%CI = 0.72-0.90). In the low-risk group, 9% (28/287) had PALN involvement, whereas in the high-risk group, 43% (22/51) had PALN involvement. CONCLUSION: We developed a simple score predicting PALN involvement in advanced cervical cancers. Three risk groups can be defined, and patients considered to be at low risk may avoid para-aortic staging as well as extensive field irradiation.

In which cases should endometrial destruction be performed during an operative hysteroscopy? Clinical practice guidelines from the French College of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians (CNGOF).

OBJECTIVE: To provide guidelines from the French College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (CNGOF), based on the best evidence available, concerning the impact of endometrial destruction on bleeding and endometrial cancer risk reduction in patients candidates for operative hysteroscopy. METHODS: Recommendations were made according to AGREE II and the GRADE® (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) systems to determine separately the quality of evidence (QE) and in the level of recommendation. RESULTS: In a retrospective study comparing the incidence of endometrial cancer in 4776 patients with menorrhagia treated with endometrial destruction vs 229 945 patients with a medical treatment. There was a non-significant reduced risk of developing endometrial cancer (HR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.15-1.40; p = .17). In premenopausal women, five studies compared the incidence of endometrial cancer in patients treated with endometrial ablation/destruction (EA/D) to the incidence of endometrial cancer in a comparable population of women from national registers, all of which show reduced risk of endometrial cancer after endometrectomy. In case of menopausal metrorrhagia, the prevalence of endometrial cancer is 9%, by analogy with the results found in premenopausal patients, the combination of endometrial ablation during operative hysteroscopy seems justified. In a retrospective cohort of 177 non-menopausal patients treated with myomectomy for metrorrhagia and/or menorrhagia, a significantly better control of bleeding at 12 months was found when myomectomy was combined with endometrectomy using roller-ball (OR: 0.18 [95% Cl 0.05-0.63]; p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: In premenopausal women with heavy menstrual bleeding, when an operative hysteroscopy is performed, it is recommended to propose an endometrial ablation/destruction in order to prevent the risk of endometrial cancer, (QE3) and to prevent recurrence of bleeding (QE2). In menopausal women, it is probably recommended to also perform an endometrial ablation/destruction in case of operative hysteroscopy in order to prevent the risk of endometrial cancer (QE1).

Should we perform subtotal hysterectomy associated with sacral colpopexy for genital prolapse to prevent the risk of endometrial cancer?

OBJECTIVE: In a menopausal woman scheduled for curative surgery for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) by sacral colpopexy (SC), the question of concomitant hysterectomy is frequently considered by the surgeon. The risk of endometrial cancer (EC) exists in this population, and increases with age and body mass index. The French college of gynecologists and obstetricians (CNGOF) decided to issue good practice guidelines on subtotal hysterectomy (SH) for postmenopausal women scheduled for SC for POP. METHODS: The CNGOF has decided to adopt the AGREE II and GRADE systems for grading scientific evidence. Each recommendation for practice was allocated a grade, which depends on the quality of evidence (QE) (clinical practice guidelines). RESULTS: The prevalence of occult endometrial cancer (EC) found on pathological analysis after SH in this context (concomitant SH associated with SC) is low (<1%) (QE: high). Few studies have assessed the value of preoperative uterine exploration. Performing SH during SC is associated with its own risks, which may diminish the potential "carcinological prevention benefit". Uterine morcellation, performed by laparoscopy or a robot-assisted procedure, is associated with a low risk (<0.6%) of dissemination of an unknown sarcoma/EC (QE: moderate) A risk of dissemination of parasitic myomas (<0.5%) is also possible (QE: moderate). CONCLUSION: It is not recommended to perform a subtotal hysterectomy associated with sacral colpopexy for the sole purpose of reducing the occurrence of endometrial cancer (Recommendation: STRONG [GRADE 1-]; the level of evidence was considered to be low and the risk-benefit balance was considered not to be favorable).

Management of borderline ovarian tumours during pregnancy: Results of a French multi-centre study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the diagnostic and prognostic characteristics of borderline ovarian tumours (BOTs) detected during pregnancy, and to establish an inventory of French practices. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective multi-centre case study of 14 patients treated for BOTs, diagnosed during pregnancy between 2005 and 2017, in five French pelvic cancerology expert centres, including data on clinical characteristics, histological tumour characteristics, surgical procedure, adjuvant treatments, follow-up and fertility. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 29.3 [standard deviation (SD) 6.2] years. Most BOTs were diagnosed on ultrasonography in the first trimester (85.7 %), and most of these cases (78.5 %) also underwent magnetic resonance imaging to confirm the diagnosis (true positives 54.5 %). Most patients underwent surgery during pregnancy (57 %), with complete staging surgery in two cases (14.3 %). Laparoscopy was performed more frequently than other procedures (50 %), and unilateral adnexectomy was more common than cystectomy (57.5 %). Tumour size influenced the surgical approach significantly (mean size 7.5 cm for laparoscopy, 11.9 cm for laparoconversion, 14 cm for primary laparotomy; P = 0.08), but the type of resection did not. Most patients were initially diagnosed with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage IA (92.8 %) tumours, but many were upstaged after complete restaging surgery (57.1 %). Most BOTs were serous (50 %), two cases had a micropapillary component (28.5 %), and one case had a micro-invasive implant. BOTs were bilateral in two cases (14.2 %). Mean follow-up was 31.4 (SD 14.8) months. Recurrent lesions occurred in two patients (14.2 %) and no deaths have been recorded to date among the study population. CONCLUSION: BOTs remain rare, but this study - despite its small sample size - supports the hypothesis that BOTs during pregnancy have potentially aggressive characteristics.

Prognostic Value and Risk Factors of Peritoneal Carcinomatosis Recurrence for Patients with Endometrial Cancer: A Multicenter Study from the FRANCOGYN Group.

BACKGROUND: The prognosis for patients with endometrial cancer (EC) peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) recurrence has received little study. This study aimed to determine specific risk factors and prognosis of EC with PC recurrence (PCR) versus no PC recurrence (NPCR). METHODS: Data of all patients with EC who received primary surgical treatment between January 2000 and February 2017 were abstracted from the French FRANCOGYN Research Group database. Clinical and pathologic variables were compared between the two groups (PCR vs. NPCR). Multivariate analysis was performed to define prognostic factors for peritoneal recurrence. Overall survivals (OS) of patients after recurrence were compared using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: The study analyzed 1466 patients, and 257 of these patients (17.5%) had recurrence. At presentation, 63 of these patients had PC. International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stages 3 and 4 disease were significantly associated with PCR versus NPCR (odds ratio 2.24; 95% confidence interval 1.23-4.07; p = 0.008). The death rate for the patients with PC was 47.6%, with a median survival of 12 months after diagnosis of recurrence. According to the histologic subtype, OS was 29 months (Q1-Q3, 13-NA) for endometrioid carcinomas, 7.5 months (Q1-Q3, 4-15) for serous carcinomas, and 10 months (Q1-Q3, 5-15) for clear cell carcinomas. Chemotherapy for treatment of PCR was associated with improved OS after recurrence (OSAR; p = 0.0025). CONCLUSION: An initial advanced stage of EC is a risk factor for PCR. For women with PCR, a diagnosis of type 1 EC recurrence more than 12 months after the initial treatment and management of PCR with chemotherapy is associated with improved OSAR. Prospective studies are needed to determine the precise optimal management required in this clinical situation and to assess the relevance of biomarkers to predict the risk of PCR for EC patients.

Immediate vaginal reconstruction following pelvic exenteration using the pedicled vertical Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator (DIEP) flap: A technical note.

Immediate vaginal reconstruction is usually offered following pelvic exenteration for recurrent cervical cancer in women previously treated with radiotherapy or with severe radiation-induced fistulae. Introduction of muscle-sparing flaps, such as the pedicled vertical deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap, provides viable tissues for vaginal reconstruction and is associated with reduced donor-site morbidity. This report describes the surgical technique, which is one of the procedures of choice for vaginal reconstruction. It is safe and beneficial, especially for women with gynecologic cancer who have undergone pelvic exenteration after failed radiation therapy.

Prognostic factors of overall survival for patients with FIGO stage IIIc or IVa ovarian cancer treated with neo-adjuvant chemotherapy followed by interval debulking surgery: A multicenter cohort analysis from the FRANCOGYN study group.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to identify prognostic factors of overall survival in patients with FIGO stage IIIc or IVa ovarian cancer (OC) treated by neo-adjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) followed by interval debulking surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from 483 patients with ovarian cancer were retrospectively collected, from January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2016, from the FRANCOGYN database, regrouping data from 11 centers specialized in ovarian cancer treatment. Median overall survival was determined using the Kaplan-Meier method. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed to define prognostic factors of overall survival. RESULTS: The median overall survival was 52 after a median follow up of 30 months. After univariate analysis, factors significantly associated with decreased overall survival were; no pelvic and/or para-aortic lymphadenectomy (p = 0.002), residual disease (CC1/CC2/CC3) after surgery (p < 0.001), positive cytology after NAC (p < 0.001), omental disease after NAC (p = 0.002), no pathologic complete response (pCR) (p = 0.002). In multivariate analysis, factors significantly associated with decreased overall survival were; residual disease after surgery (HR = 1.93; CI95% (1.16-3.21), p = 0.01) and positive cytology after NAC (HR = 1.59; CI95% (1.01-2.55), p = 0.05). Patients with no residual disease after surgery had a median overall survival of 64 months versus 35 months for patients with residual disease. Patients with negative cytology after NAC had a median overall survival of 71 months versus 43 months for patients with positive cytology after NAC. CONCLUSION: In this first and largest French based retrospective study, complete cytoreductive surgery in ovarian cancer remains the main prognostic factor of overall survival.

[Prostate cancer screening in France: Results from the EDIFICE surveys]. / Dépistage du cancer de la prostate en France : résultats des enquêtes EDIFICE.

INTRODUCTION: Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common cancer amongst men in 2018 in Europe. The issue of PCa screening in the general population has been debated following the publication of international European (ERSPC) and North American (PLCO) studies. There is currently no organised PCa screening. The objective of this analysis was to evaluate the practice of PCa screening in the French population with no history of cancer between 2005 and 2016. METHODS: Since 2005, the EDIFICE surveys have focused on the knowledge and behaviour of French people with regard to cancer screening. The practice of screening was evaluated according to the answer to the question: "Have you ever done PCa screening?" Responses were analysed according to age, socio-professional category and level of social precariousness. RESULTS: After a strong increase between 2005 and 2008 (from 36% to 49%, P≤0.01), a significant decrease in the reported PCa screening rate was observed between 2014 (49%) and 2016 (42%; P=0.02). This decrease was mainly reflected in the socially advantaged categories and in the youngest age group (50-54 years). Screening practices remain the same in older men. CONCLUSION: The perception of the effectiveness of PCa screening could explain the changes of behavior in the French population. This decrease in participation in PCa screening requires monitoring to avoid a general loss of confidence in cancer screening. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

[Prognostic significance of groin lymph node ratio in vulvar squamous cell carcinoma]. / Signification pronostique du ratio d'atteinte ganglionnaire inguinale dans le carcinome épidermoide vulvaire.

OBJECTIVES: The aim was to review the clinical impact of lymph node ratio (LNR) of groin metastatic nodal disease in women with vulvar squamous cell carcinoma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cohort study of women with vulvar squamous cell carcinoma, managed between January 2005 and December 2015, in five institutions in France with prospectively maintained databases (French multicenter tertiary care centers). POPULATION: In total, 636 women managed for VSCC of whom 508 (79.9%) underwent surgical groin nodal staging. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Comparison of overall and recurrence free survival between women according to LNR. RESULTS: In total, 176 women (34.6%) had at least one positive lymph node (LN). There was a significant differences for the 5-year overall survival and recurrence free survival rates between women with LNR>0.2 and women with LNR<0.2. CONCLUSION: LNR seems to be a significant prognostic factor in women with vulvar squamous cell carcinoma.

[Guidelines for surgical management of gynaecological cancer during pandemic COVID-19 period - FRANCOGYN group for the CNGOF]. / Prise en charge chirurgicale des cancers gynécologiques en période de pandémie COVID-19 ­ Recommandations du Groupe FRANCOGYN pour le CNGOF.

INTRODUCTION: Recommendations for the management of patients with gynecological cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic period. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Recommendations based on the consensus conference model. RESULTS: In the case of a COVID-19 positive patient, surgical management should be postponed for at least 15 days. For cervical cancer, the place of surgery must be re-evaluated in relation to radiotherapy and Radio-Chemotherapy-Concomitant and the value of lymph node staging surgeries must be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. For advanced ovarian cancers, neo-adjuvant chemotherapy should be favored even if primary cytoreduction surgery could be envisaged. It is lawful not to offer hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy during a COVID-19 pandemic. In the case of patients who must undergo interval surgery, it is possible to continue the chemotherapy and to offer surgery after 6 cycles of chemotherapy. For early stage endometrial cancer, in case of low and intermediate preoperative ESMO risk, hysterectomy with bilateral annexectomy associated with a sentinel lymph node procedure should be favored. It is possible to consider postponing surgery for 1 to 2 months in low-risk endometrial cancers (FIGO Ia stage on MRI and grade 1-2 endometrioid cancer on endometrial biopsy). For high ESMO risk, it ispossible to favor the MSKCC algorithm (combining PET-CT and sentinel lymph node biopsy) in order to omit pelvic and lumbar-aortic lymphadenectomies. CONCLUSION: During COVID-19 pandemic, patients suffering from cancer should not lose life chance, while limiting the risks associated with the virus.

Postoperative evaluation of chronic pain in patients with Mayer - Rokitansky - Küster - Hauser (MRKH) syndrome and uterine horn remnant: Experience of a tertiary referring gynaecological department.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with Mayer - Rokitansky - Küster - Hauser (MRKH) syndrome often experience chronic pelvic pain negatively impacting their life's quality. Our understanding of the factors involved in this symptom remains poor. The aim of our study was to further investigate the different components of this pelvic pain in patients with MRKH undergoing pelvic surgery. Our second objective was to assess the evolution of this pain in patients undergoing surgical removal of their uterine horn remnant. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of a cohort of patients treated in our tertiary referring gynaecological department. Patients included had a MRKH syndrome with at least one uterine horn remnant and all underwent at least one surgical procedure in our centre. Descriptive analysis of the main characteristics and of the management of these patients was conducted. Postoperative pain was evaluated using simple words and / or analgesic consumption evaluation. RESULTS: Between 1991 and 2013, twenty-one patients were included in our centre. Out of them, 20 (95 %) had chronic pelvic pain, mostly cyclic pain lasting 2-3 days. Fourteen patients had surgical removal of their uterine horns remnant and only 3 patients (21 %) had persistent pain at their postoperative visit. Surgical findings included peritoneal endometriosis in 8 patients (38 %) and other unexpected findings in 6. At pathological analysis, secretary endometrium in the uterine horn remnant was found in 11 patients (79 %). CONCLUSION: The origin of chronic pain in MRKH is combining several factors such as endometriosis or secretary endometrium. Surgical removal of uterine horn remnant improved most of our patients' pelvic chronic pain. Further studies should help improve our understanding of this specific entity.

Fertility and pregnancy outcomes in patients with bicorporeal uterus and blind hemivagina: 20 years of experience in a tertiary referral gynaecological department.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate fertility and pregnancy outcomes in patients with uterus bicorporeal and blind hemivagina. Our second objective was to investigate factors predicting fertility and pregnancy outcomes in those patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis in a tertiary referring gynaecological department, in France. We included all patients with uterus bicorporeal and blind hemivagina who underwent at least one surgery in our centre. Initial characteristics of the patients included were extracted from their medical charts and patients were contacted to assess their fertility and pregnancies outcomes upon their consent to participate to the study. RESULTS: Between 1989 and 2010, 79 patients fulfilled inclusion criteria and were selected for analysis. Mean follow up of those patients was of 16.15 (QI 10-21) years. Forty-six patients (58.2%) returned the survey and among them, 21 (45.7%) were fertile, 8 (17.4%) were infertile and 17 (37%) never attempted to get pregnant following initial management. Forty-nine pregnancies were included to assess pregnancies outcomes: 11 (22.5%) early miscarriages, 1 (2.0%) extra-uterine pregnancy, 2 (4.1%) second semester miscarriages and 35 (71.4%) leaded to living birth. Nineteen (54.3%) deliveries occurred by caesarean section and 14 (40.0%) by vaginal delivery. Fifteen pregnancies (42.9%) were complicated. In univariate analysis, adhesiolysis performed at the time of initial surgery was the only factor associated with infertility (p=0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Fertility seems to be perfectly conserved in those patients and they do not have increased rate of adverse pregnancies outcomes.

Surgical treatment of vulvar cancer: Impact of tumor-free margin distance on recurrence and survival. A multicentre cohort analysis from the francogyn study group.

OBJECTIVE: In vulvar cancer, it is admitted that tumor-free margin distance is one of the most important element for locoregional control. It is currently recommended to surgically remove the tumor with at least an 8 mm tumor-free margin. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of tumor-free margin distance on recurrence and survival in vulvar cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From 2005 to 2016, 112 patients surgically treated for a vulvar squamous cell cancer were included in a retrospective multicenter study. Overall, disease-free and metastasis-free survivals were analyzed according to tumor-free margin distance. RESULTS: Patients were divided into three groups: group 1 (margin <3 mm, n = 47); group 2 (margin ≥3 mm to < 8 mm, n = 48) and group 3 (margin ≥8 mm, n = 17). During the study, 26,8% patients developed recurrence (n = 30) after a median of 8 months (1-69). Analysis of 5-year overall survival, as well as disease-free and metastasis-free survivals, did not reveal a difference between groups. We performed a subgroup analysis in patients with a tumor-free margin <8 mm (group 1 and 2). It showed that histological lesions observed closest to the edge of the specimen were more often invasive or in situ carcinoma lesions in group 1 than in group 2, in which VIN lesions were mainly observed at this location. After re-excision, no patients in group 1 and 50% (n = 2) patients in group 2 developed recurrence. CONCLUSION: This study did not reveal a significant impact of tumor-free margin distance on recurrence and survival in vulvar cancer. Moreover, the benefit of re-excision seems stronger when tumor-free margins are positive or very close (<3 mm), cases in which invasive or in situ lesions are often present closest to the edge of the specimen.

Management of epithelial cancer of the ovary, fallopian tube, primary peritoneum. Long text of the joint French clinical practice guidelines issued by FRANCOGYN, CNGOF, SFOG, GINECO-ARCAGY, endorsed by INCa. (Part 2: systemic, intraperitoneal treatment, elderly patients, fertility preservation, follow-up).

Adjuvant chemotherapy by carboplatin and paclitaxel is recommended for all high-grade ovarian and tubal cancers (FIGO stages I-IIA) (grade A). After primary surgery is complete, 6 cycles of intravenous chemotherapy (grade A) are recommended, or a discussion with the patient about intraperitoneal chemotherapy, according to her risk-benefit ratio. After complete interval surgery for FIGO stage III, hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) can be proposed, in accordance with the modalities of the OV-HIPEC trial (grade B). In cases of postoperative tumor residue or in FIGO stage IV tumors, chemotherapy associated with bevacizumab is recommended (grade A).

Management of epithelial cancer of the ovary, fallopian tube, and primary peritoneum. Long text of the Joint French Clinical Practice Guidelines issued by FRANCOGYN, CNGOF, SFOG, and GINECO-ARCAGY, and endorsed by INCa. Part 1: Diagnostic exploration and staging, surgery, perioperative care, and pathology.

An MRI is recommended for an ovarian mass that is indeterminate on ultrasound. The ROMA score (combining CA125 and HE4) can also be calculated (grade A). In presumed early-stage ovarian or tubal cancers, the following procedures should be performed: an omentectomy (at a minimum, infracolic), an appendectomy, multiple peritoneal biopsies, peritoneal cytology (grade C), and pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomies (grade B) for all histologic types, except the expansile mucinous subtypes, for which lymphadenectomies can be omitted (grade C). Minimally invasive surgery is recommended for early-stage ovarian cancer, when there is no risk of tumor rupture (grade B). For FIGO stages III or IV ovarian, tubal, and primary peritoneal cancers, a contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scan of the thorax/abdomen/pelvis is recommended (grade B), as well as laparoscopic exploration to take multiple biopsies (grade A) and a carcinomatosis score (Fagotti score at a minimum) (grade C) to assess the possibility of complete surgery (i.e., leaving no macroscopic tumor residue). Complete surgery by a midline laparotomy is recommended for advanced ovarian, tubal, or primary peritoneal cancer (grade B). For advanced cancers, para-aortic and pelvic lymphadenectomies are recommended when metastatic adenopathy is clinically or radiologically suspected (grade B). When adenopathy is not suspected and when complete peritoneal surgery is performed as the initial surgery for advanced cancer, the lymphadenectomies can be omitted because they do not modify either the medical treatment or overall survival (grade B). Primary surgery (before other treatment) is recommended whenever it appears possible to leave no tumor residue (grade B).

Management of epithelial cancer of the ovary, fallopian tube, and primary peritoneum. Short text of the French Clinical Practice Guidelines issued by FRANCOGYN, CNGOF, SFOG, and GINECO-ARCAGY, and endorsed by INCa.

An MRI is recommended for an ovarian mass that is indeterminate on ultrasound. The ROMA score (combining CA125 and HE4) can also be calculated (Grade A). In presumed early-stage ovarian or tubal cancers, the following procedures should be performed: an omentectomy (at a minimum, infracolic), an appendectomy, multiple peritoneal biopsies, peritoneal cytology (grade C), and pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomies (Grade B) for all histologic types, except the expansile mucinous subtypes, for which lymphadenectomies can be omitted (grade C). Minimally invasive surgery is recommended for early-stage ovarian cancer, when there is no risk of tumor rupture (grade B). Adjuvant chemotherapy by carboplatin and paclitaxel is recommended for all high-grade ovarian and tubal cancers (FIGO stages I-IIA) (grade A). For FIGO stage III or IV ovarian, tubal, and primary peritoneal cancers, a contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scan of the thorax/abdomen/pelvis is recommended (Grade B), as well as laparoscopic exploration to take multiple biopsies (grade A) and a carcinomatosis score (Fagotti score at a minimum) (grade C) to assess the possibility of complete surgery (i.e., leaving no macroscopic tumor residue). Complete surgery by a midline laparotomy is recommended for advanced ovarian, tubal, or primary peritoneal cancers (grade B). For advanced cancers, para-aortic and pelvic lymphadenectomies are recommended when metastatic adenopathy is clinically or radiologically suspected (grade B). When adenopathy is not suspected and when complete peritoneal surgery is performed as the initial surgery for advanced cancer, the lymphadenectomies can be omitted because they do not modify either the medical treatment or overall survival (grade B). Primary surgery (before other treatment) is recommended whenever it appears possible to leave no tumor residue (grade B). After primary surgery is complete, 6 cycles of intravenous chemotherapy (grade A) are recommended, or a discussion with the patient about intraperitoneal chemotherapy, according to her risk-benefit ratio. After complete interval surgery for FIGO stage III disease, hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) can be proposed, in accordance with the modalities of the OV-HIPEC trial (grade B). In cases of postoperative tumor residue or in FIGO stage IV tumors, chemotherapy associated with bevacizumab is recommended (grade A).

[Surgery for advanced stage ovarian cancer: Article drafted from the French Guidelines in oncology entitled "Initial management of patients with epithelial ovarian cancer" developed by FRANCOGYN, CNGOF, SFOG, GINECO-ARCAGY under the aegis of CNGOF and endorsed by INCa]. / Chirurgie des cancers avancés de l'ovaire. Article rédigé sur la base de la recommandation nationale de bonnes pratiques cliniques en cancérologie intitulée « Conduites à tenir initiales devant des patientes atteintes d'un cancer épithélial de l'ovaire ¼ élaborée par FRANCOGYN, CNGOF, SFOG, GINECO-ARCAGY sous l'égide du CNGOF et labellisée par l'INCa.

Debulking surgery is the key step of advanced stage ovarian cancer treatment with chemotherapy. The quality of surgical resection is the main prognosis factor, thus a complete resection must be achieved (grade A) in an expert center (grade B). Surgery for stage IV is possible and has a benefit in case of complete peritoneal resection (LoE3). Pelvic and aortic lymphadenectomies are recommended in case of clinical or radiological suspicious lymph nodes (grade B). In absence of clinical or radiological suspicious lymph nodes and in case of complete peritoneal resection during initial debulking surgery, lymphadenectomy can be omitted because it won't change nor medical treatment nor overall survival (grade B). Neoadjuvant chemotherapy can be proposed in case of: impossibility to perform initial complete surgical resection (grade B) ; alteration of general state or co-morbidities or elderly patient (in order to decrease morbidity and increase quality of life) (grade B); stage IV with multiple intra-hepatic or pulmonary metastasis or important ascites with miliary (grade B). In case of stage III or IV ovarian cancer diagnosed on a biopsy during prior laparotomy, a neoadjuvant chemotherapy and interval debulking surgery should be preferred (gradeC). In case of palliative surgery or peroperative impossibility to perform a complete resection, no data regarding the type of surgery to perform influencing survival or quality of life is available. Peritoneal carcinosis description before resection and residual disease at the end of the surgery should be reported (size, location and reason of non-extirpability) (grade B). A score of peritoneal carcinosis such as Peritoneal Carcinosis Index (PCI) should be used in order to objectively evaluate the tumoral burden (gradeC). A standardized operative report is recommended (gradeC).