Outcomes of surgical management of bowel obstruction in relapsed epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC).

OBJECTIVE: To describe the outcomes of surgical management of bowel obstruction in relapsed epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) so as to define the criteria for patient selection for palliative surgery. METHODS: 90 women with relapsed EOC underwent palliative surgery for bowel obstruction between 1992 and 2008. RESULTS: Median age at time of surgery for bowel obstruction was 57 years (range, 26 to 85 years). All patients had received at least one line of platinum-based chemotherapy. Median time from diagnosis of primary disease to documented bowel obstruction requiring surgery was 19.5 months (range, 29 days-14 years). Median interval from date of completed course of chemotherapy preceding surgery for bowel obstruction was 3.8 months (range, 5 days-14 years). Ascites was present in 38/90(42%). 49/90(54%) underwent emergency surgery for bowel obstruction. The operative mortality and morbidity rates were 18% and 27%, respectively. Successful palliation, defined as adequate oral intake at least 60 days postoperative, was achieved in 59/90(66%). Only the absence of ascites was identified as a predictor for successful palliation (p=0.049). The median overall survival (OS) was 90.5 days (range, <1 day-6 years). Optimal debulking, treatment-free interval (TFI) and elective versus emergency surgery did not predict survival or successful palliation from surgery for bowel obstruction (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Surgery for bowel obstruction in relapsed EOC is associated with a high morbidity and mortality rate especially in emergency cases when compared to other gynaecological oncological procedures. Palliation can be achieved in almost two thirds of cases, is equally likely in elective and emergency cases but is less likely in those with ascites.

Surgical management and follow-up of patients with cervical cancer: survey of gynaecological oncologists in the UK.

We investigated current surgical management and follow-up of women with cervical cancer focusing on treatment of recurrent disease and the use of routine imaging during follow-up among gynaecological oncologists in the UK. A questionnaire including questions regarding perioperative management of primary disease in cervical cancer, follow-up post-treatment, assessment and management of recurrent cervical cancer, was sent to 84 gynaecological oncologists. Some 87% responded. Considerable variations in surgical management and follow-up were identified. With central recurrence of cervical cancer without prior radiotherapy, 90% would recommend radiotherapy instead of an exenteration. For central recurrence in irradiated women, only three (4%) would not recommend an exenteration. In women with pelvic sidewall relapse without prior radiotherapy, 65 responders (96%) would offer radiotherapy, while in pelvic sidewall relapse post-radiation 25 (37%) would recommend pelvic sidewall resection in a specialised centre. A total of 21% used routine imaging during follow-up. The wide variation in clinical practice indicates that there is a need to establish national guidelines for surgical management and follow-up of primary and recurrent cervical cancer.

Radical vaginal trachelectomy at 16 weeks' gestation: A case report.

•A young woman diagnosed with early-stage cervical cancer whilst pregnant is a clinical dilemma.•The maternal risks need to be balanced against the risks to the foetus.•Radical vaginal trachelectomy has a potential role as treatment with a favourable outcome for mother and baby.