Prognostic factors and a value of 2009 FIGO staging system in vulvar cancer.

OBJECTIVE: In 2009, International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) modified staging of vulvar cancer-the prognostic significance of the new classification relative to the prior system as well as to the commonly recognized prognostic factors has not been assessed. The aim of this study was to test prognostic ability of 2009 staging in a cohort of uniformly treated and staged cases with long-term follow-up. METHODS: Pathologic characteristics were obtained by blind review of the original tissue samples. 76 patients who qualified for surgery on the basis of the same criteria, with full clinical history, were included in the study. The histological analyses were performed on 76 and 35 paraffin-embedded tissue samples from primary tumors and lymph nodes, respectively. Survival analyses included the Kaplan-Meier method, log-rank test and Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS: Univariate analysis has demonstrated that age (p = 0.0170), lymph node metastasis (p = 0.0393), tumor grade (p = 0.0086) and FIGO1994 stage (p = 0.001) were the significant prognostic factors for overall survival. Multivariate analysis has demonstrated that growing age (HR 2.25, 95 % CI 0.79-3.71, p = 0.0321), tumor grade (G1 vs. G2 and G3) (HR 1-3.11, 95 % CI 1.6-4.62, p = 0.0057) and FIGO1994 stage (HR 1.78, 95 % CI 0.55-3.01, p = 0.0061) are independent prognostic factors with respect to overall survival. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate the prognostic advantage of the 1994 FIGO staging as it has become an independent prognostic factor in contrast to the new FIGO system. This should be tested in future larger cohort studies. Differentiation grade turned out to be a very valuable independent prognostic factor and should be incorporated as a routine component of the histopathologic reports in vulvar cancer.

Clinical significance of VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-3 expression in ovarian cancer patients.

The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family and VEGF receptors (VEGFR) play an essential role in angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. The aim of this study was to clarify the prognostic significance of VEGFR expression in ovarian carcinoma. Levels of VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-3 tissue expression in human ovarian tumours were assayed by immunoblotting and the correlations between analysed factors and clinicopathological features were examined. Tissue samples consisted of 42 benign and 10 borderline (low malignant potential - LMP) tumours, 76 ovarian carcinomas, 8 Krukenberg tumours and 32 normal ovarian tissues. The highest relative level of VEGFR-2 was detected in cases with at the early stages of cancer development. The highest level of VEGFR-3 was detected advanced cancer stages and those with Krukenberg tumours. Overexpression of VEGFR-3 was found to correlate with the debulking status (p = 0.02) and positive response to chemotherapy (p = 0.04). A statistically significant longer progression free survival (PFS) was observed in women with a low than with a high expression of VEGFR-3 (p = 0.01). Increased levels of VEGFR-2 expression at the early stages of ovarian cancer may indicate the significance of neoangiogenesis at these stages. Overexpression of VEGFR-3 reflects the aggressiveness of ovarian carcinoma spread and has a predictive value for identifying high-risk patients with poor prognosis.

Maspin overexpression correlates with positive response to primary chemotherapy in ovarian cancer patients.

OBJECTIVE: Maspin is a member of the serine protease inhibitor superfamily. Experimental studies revealed that maspin suppresses tumor growth, angiogenesis, invasion and metastasis. We examined maspin expression in human ovarian tumors and relation between maspin expression and clinicopathological features as well as the role of maspin in predicting clinical outcome in patients with ovarian cancer. METHODS: Tissue samples consisted of 42 benign tumors, 10 borderline (LMP) tumors, 76 ovarian carcinomas, 8 Krukenberg tumors and 32 normal tissues. Immunoblot analysis was performed to evaluate the relative expression of maspin/beta-actin. RESULTS: Relative maspin level was significantly higher in patients with LMP tumors (median 0.74) and early stages ovarian cancers (median 0.46) when compared with healthy tissues (median 0.03), those with benign (median 0.23) and metastatic tumors (median 0.22). Overexpression of maspin was found to correlate with the early stage of the disease (p=0.001), non-serous subtype of ovarian cancer (p=0.03) and positive response to chemotherapy (p=0.02). A statistically significant longer PFS was seen in women with high as compared with low expression of maspin (p=0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Maspin is upregulated in borderline tumors and the early stages of ovarian carcinoma and then significantly downregulated with malignant transformation. High expression may paradoxically promote the invasion and metastasis of ovarian carcinomas. Our study revealed that maspin expression could play an important role in predicting the results of treatment of ovarian cancer patients.

Second line platinum-based intraperitoneal chemotherapy for advanced ovarian cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To report the results of ovarian cancer treatment, where a regimen of intravenous cyclophosphamide followed by intraperitoneal cisplatin or carboplatin was administered as second line treatment. DESIGN: Retrospective observational study on 198 women with stage I-IV histologically documented epithelial ovarian cancer after one or more prior regimens of chemotherapy. SETTING: University tertiary referral clinic, Gdansk, Poland. METHODS: The study group was recruited from among 593 ovarian cancer patients treated between January 1996 and December 2006. Conditions of inclusion for intraperitoneal treatment were: relapse or recurrence of disease after surgery followed by first line treatment. Recurrences were confirmed through re-staging laparotomy or second-look laparotomy. Patients received 90 mg/m(2) cisplatin, or carboplatin AUC 6 intraperitoneally and cyclophosphamide 750 mg/m(2) intravenously. Four or six courses were planned for each patient. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Response to treatment defined as complete or partial response, or progressive disease, and survival rates. RESULTS: There were 67 (34%) with complete and 61 (31%) with partial response, while 69 (35%) developed progressive disease. Median survival from the initiation of intraperitoneal chemotherapy (IP) was 51 months and significantly longer for patients who received four cycles of IP: 78 months vs. 20 months for patients who received six intraperitoneal cycles. CONCLUSIONS: IP can be used in second line treatment of ovarian cancer, but six treatment cycles appear associated with worse results compared to four.

[Phalanges necrosis--a rare manifestation of "hand-foot" syndrome induced by gemcitabine used in the second--line therapy for progressive ovarian cancer. A case report]. / Zespól dloniowo-podeszwowy pod postacia martwicy palców rak. Przypadek rzadkiego powiklania w nastepstwie zastosowania gemcytabiny u chorej z zaawansowanym rakiem jajnika.

"Hand-foot" syndrome is a well-documented, dermatologic reaction after several chemotherapeutic agents with wild spectrum of symptoms. To the best of our knowledge, palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome--presented as irreversible cytotoxic side effect induced by gemcitabine alone--has not been reported so far. We present a case of a patient with a history of peripheral sensory neuropathy who developed a painless finger necrosis caused by gemcitabine used in the second-line therapy for progressive ovary cancer.

[A rare case of post-partum urethrovaginal fistula. Management of obstetric complications]. / Przetoka cewkowo-pochwowa jako powiklanie przedluzonego porodu.

A rare case of a 22-year old patient with obstetric urethrovaginal fistula, resulting in urinary incontinence, has been reported in the following report The emphasis is put on a number of medical and social consequences related to the formation of the fistula. Authors have presented the diagnostic difficulties. The aim of the report is to draw attention to the probable complications following prolonged labour and the necessity of appropriate treatment.

Profiling of selected angiogenesis-related genes in serous ovarian cancer patients.

PURPOSE: Since angiogenesis plays an important role in the pathogenesis of ovarian cancer the aim of the study was to compare the expression of the most relevant angiogenesis-related genes in serous ovarian cancer samples. Genes were divided into 5 subgroups according to their angiogenic potential: growth factors and their receptors; cytokines/chemokines; adhesion molecules and other matrix related proteins; transcriptions factors and signaling molecules; morphogenic factors, and angiogenesis inhibitors. MATERIALS/METHODS: Twenty-nine patients were involved in the study: 20 with serous ovarian cancer and 9 healthy controls. All neoplasms were confirmed by histopathological examination. Healthy ovarian control samples were obtained from women diagnosed with fibroids and had previously scheduled operations. Real-time PCR gene arrays were used to examine the expression of 84 human angiogenesis-related genes and expression of selected proteins was assessed with ELISA. RESULTS: Significantly higher expressions of 46 genes were found in the ovarian cancer group compared to the healthy control group. By the use of ELISA we confirmed the expression of three proteins i.e.: angiopoietin-2, angiopoietin-like protein 3, and angiopoietin receptor 2. Only angiopoietin-2 and angiopoietin receptor 2 showed significant differences between ovarian cancer and healthy controls. CONCLUSIONS: Changes in the expression of selected genes associated with angiogenesis may add new information to the pathogenesis of ovarian cancer. Although the angiopoietin-2 signaling pathway may play an important role in neovascularization in ovarian cancer, the role of angiopoietin-like protein 3 is yet to be established.

[The course of actinomycosis of female reproductive organs mimicking ovarian cancer--the diagnostic limits and difficulties]. / Promienica narzadu plciowego o przebiegu klinicznym podobnym do raka jajnika--trudnosci i ograniczenia diagnostyczne.

A case of actinomycosis presenting as tubo-ovarian abscess, misdiagnosed as ovarian malignancy in 54-year old woman with IUD is reported. Author presents the diagnostic problems due to uncommon location, no reliable clinical manifestation and nonspecific CT imaging findings, based on current literature. Knowledge of the characteristic features may help one consider the possibility of actinomycetic infection in the differential diagnosis, in patients with a previous history of predisposing factors and treat them appropriately.

[DNA ploidy and results of first line chemotherapy in ovarian cancer patients]. / Wplyw ploidii DNA na rokowanie w zaleznosci od odpowiedzi na chemioterapie i rzutu u chorych na raka jajnika.

AIM OF THE STUDY: The prognostic significance of DNA ploidy in ovarian cancer patients determined by flow cytometric analysis, in correlation with effectiveness of first line chemotherapy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: DNA ploidy by FC was investigated in group of 102 ovarian cancer patients from fresh frozen samples (4 patients was excluded from the study). RESULTS: Positive answer for first line treatment we notified in 64(62,75%) cases, lack of answer 34 (37,25%) patients. Aneuploidy was more frequent in negative group 31(91,18%), diploid tumours occurred in 3(8.82%) cases. In positive group aneuploid tumours occurred in 29(45,31%) and diploid in 35(54,69%) patients (p<0,001). Median survival in positive group--45 months, in negative group 12 months (p<0,0001). In positive group median survival in patients with aneuploid tumours--31 months, in patients with diploid tumours median survival was not reached (p=0,0102). In negative group DNA ploidy has no impact on survival (p=0,1027) CONCLUSIONS: 1. DNA ploidy determined by flow cytometry is prognostic factor in ovarian cancer patients who answered positively for first line treatment. 2. Aneuploid tumours appear much often then diploid in group of patient who did not answer for first line chemotherapy 3. Patients with diploid tumours have better prognosis. 4. Lack of positive answer for first line treatment is bad prognostic factor.

[Prognostic significance of Sphase fraction in ovarian cancer patients]. / Porównanie zawartosci procentowej komórek w fazie S (SPF) w grupie pacjentek z rakami aneuploidalnymi i diploidalnymi jajnika oraz wplyw SPF na przezycie chorych.

INTRODUCTION: The established of prognostics factors in ovarian cancer patients can be used to predict the outcome of the disease, and gives possibilities to identified the group of patients who must be treated more aggressive. Some authors believe that (SPF) is prognostic factor in ovarian cancer. AIM OF THE STUDY: Evaluation of prognostic significance of S phase fraction in ovarian cancer patients determined by flow cytometric (FC) analysis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Percent of S phase fraction by FC was investigated in group of 102 ovarian cancer patients from freshfrozen samples. FIGO: I--18 (17.65%), II--10 (9.8%), III--66 (64.7%), IV--8 (7.85%). Histopathologic grades (G): G1--u 30 (29.5%), (G2)--43 (42.16%), G3--26 (25.5%), Gx--2.94%). Serous tumours--66 (64.7%), endometrioid--5 (14.7%), undifferentiated--10 (9.8%), mucinous--7 (6.9%), clear cell tumours--4 (3.9%). The oldest patient was 82 and the youngest 24 mean 54 years. After primary citoreductive surgery patients was treated with intravenous chemotherapy 6 cycles. Tissue was fixed in liquid nitrogen (-195 degrees C), and after different period of time prepared according Vidlov method. SPF was measured with FACScan flow cytometr (FACS-Calibur Becton-Dickinson). In statistical analysis established confidential level was 95% (p < 0.05). RESULTS: We excluded 7 patients from the study. Average SPF in whole group--13.0637% (0.58-57.62), average SPF in aneuploidy group--13.536% standard deviation (SD)--10.71, in diploidy group--12.365%, SD 10.63. No differentiation between groups was found p = 0.66. We did not find, in whole group a ny influence of SPF on survival p = 0.992. CONCLUSION: S-phase fraction has no prognostic significance in ovarian cancer.

Prevalence and clinical correlations of BRCA1/BRCA2 unclassified variant carriers among unselected primary ovarian cancer cases - preliminary report.

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations in unselected ovarian cancer patients, and to analyse clinical and pathological features of ovarian cancer unclassified variant mutation carriers in comparison with BRCA1 pathogenic mutation carriers and sporadic cases. A consecutive sample of 205 women with primary ovarian cancer was screened for mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes using a direct test for small deletions and insertions, conformational sensitive gel electrophoresis and direct sequencing. Data regarding medical and familial history were collected using questionnaires. Clinical and pathological data were extracted from medical records. Unclassified variants and polymorphic mutations accounted for 8% (n = 16) and 6% (n = 13) of all cases, respectively. BRCA1 pathogenic mutations were found in 18 (9%) patients. None were found in BRCA2. The mean age of onset for BRCA1-associated tumours was 43.1 years (standard deviation (SD: 7.3) whereas in the patients with an unclassified variant, polymorphism, or no detectable gene changes, the mean age of onset ranged from 49.5-56.4 years. The most significant predictors for pathogenic or unclassified variant changes in BRCA1 in ovarian cancer patients were a younger age of onset and a history of hyperthyroidism and infertility. Except for infertility and hyperthyroidism, unclassified variant-linked ovarian tumours share features with sporadic tumours rather than with BRCA1 pathogenic mutations.

[Comparative analysis of patients with multiple pregnancy hospitalized at the Gynecology and Obstetrics Department of the Medical University of Gdansk in 1981-1990 and 1991-2000]. / Charakterystyka porównawcza grup kobiet z ciaza wieloplodowa hospitalizowanych w Instytucie Poloznictwa i Chorób Kobiecych Akademii Medycznej w Gdansku w latach 1981-1990 oraz 1991-2000.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to present twinning rates and to compare patients with multiple pregnancy delivered at Gynaecology and Obstetrics Department of Medical University of Gdansk in 1981-1990 and 1991-2000. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study of 523 twin births was performed. The analysis concerned: maternal age, place of living, education, parity, using of assisted reproductive techniques. RESULTS: The incidence of twin pregnancy was 1.0%. The percentage of twin deliveries in 1981-1990 was 0.84% and in 1991-2000: 1.28%. The number of twin pregnancies depending on maternal age in two periods was analysed. The statistically significant differences were observed in maternal age interval 21-25 years (32.4% in 1981-1990 versus 20.8% in 1991-2000, p=0.01) and in age interval < 20 years (3.5% in 1981-1990 versus 8.8% in 1991-2000, p=0.009). There were 3.2% patients with multiple pregnancy treated due to infertility in 1981-1990 and 7.4% in 1991-2000 (p=0.04). CONCLUSIONS: We observed the increase in twinning rates in our department. The mean age of patients with multiple pregnancy increased. We noticed the increase in number of iatrogenic multiple pregnancies.

[The correlation between prognostic factors and outcome of second look laparotomy in ovarian cancer]. / Ocena zaleznosci pomiedzy wybranymi czynnikami prognostycznymi a wynikiem operacji sprawdzajacej typu "second look" u chorych na raka jajnika.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to verify the correlation between prognostic factors, positive or negative second look laparotomy (SLL) and 5-year survival in patients with ovarian cancer. MATERIAL: Between 1984 and 1993, 178 patients after primary surgery and first-line chemotherapy with complete clinical response underwent second look laparotomy. The correlation between clinical stage and grade of cancers, residual disease, age of patients in two group of patients: with positive and negative second look laparotomy were evaluated. RESULTS: 95 patients (53%) had positive SLL. The 5-years survival in this group was only 20%. Adverse prognostic factors were: advanced primary stage (IV-0% of 5-years survival), low grade of differentiation (9.1% of 5-years survival) and residual disease > 2cm (9.4% of 5-years survival). The 5-year survival in group with negative SLL was 78.3%. The analysed prognostic factors in this group were insignificant in predicting 5-year survival. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms that the SLL can provide an important prognostic evaluation in patients without evidence of disease and allows surgical cytoreduction in group with positive SLL (more than 50% of patients). The analyzed prognostic factors in group with negative SLL were insignificant in predicting 5-year survival. The multicenter research for new prognostic factors in this group are required.

Complications associated with 9-10Fr venous access port use in adjuvant intraperitoneal chemotherapy after a cytoreductive surgery in ovarian cancer patients.

PURPOSE: To determine the complication rate associated with using a single-lumen intravenous access port with a silicone catheter of 9-10Fr size in the intraperitoneal treatment, including hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy, in ovarian cancer. PATIENTS/METHODS: We reviewed 27 patients who had subcutaneous venous access ports placed for the administration of IP chemotherapy. With four patients, the catheter was implanted during a hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy-related laparotomy using the closed technique. Each case was categorized as to the number of cycles of IP therapy received. RESULTS: Seven catheter-related complications were noted. These were divided into two categories: six malfunctions (24%) and one infection (4%). Overall, of the patients who had IP catheters placed and received IP chemotherapy, 13 (54.2%) were able to complete the six regimens. Among the four (14.8%) patients who had the catheters planted directly following the HIPEC, one experienced a catheter leak, one an infection and one concluded the treatment successfully; one is still being treated. CONCLUSIONS: A subcutaneous single-lumen intravenous access port with a silicone catheter of a large size (9-10Fr) is related to a lower rate of catheter-related complications than previously reported open-ended Tenckhoff catheter treatment. An additional advantage is the possibility of removing the catheter as an office procedure under local anesthesia. Intraperitoneal chemotherapy following a HIPEC procedure may cause increased occurrence of catheter-related complications. As of 2010 we have been using silicone subcutaneous catheters in our center.

[Clinical course of clarocellular ovarian cancer in 27-year old woman. Laparoscopy in management of malignant ovarian tumors]. / Przebieg kliniczny raka jasnokomórkowego jajnika u 27-letniej kobiety, miejsce laparoskopii w diagnostyce i leczeniu zmian zlosliwych jajnika.

A case of clarocellular ovarian cancer in 27-year old woman is reported. Authors present the diagnostic and management problems, their experience and the review of current literature. The place of laparoscopy in management of malignant ovarian tumors is discussed.

[Surgical complications connected with intraperitoneal chemotherapy in ovarian cancer]. / Powiklania zwiazane z leczeniem raka jajnika przy zastosowaniu chemioterapii dootrzewnowej.

OBJECTIVES: From a theoretical viewpoint, intraperitoneal therapy (i.p.) in-patients with ovarian cancer, a malignancy, which remains mainly, confined to the peritoneal cavity is logical. Intraperitoneal catheters have moved to the forefront as a delivery system in cancer treatment. Authors have described complications during the placement, usage, and evacuation of Tenckhoff catheters. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From January 1996 to January 2003, 118 patients with recurrent or persistent ovarian cancer, after surgery and first line chemotherapy, have had catheter insertion, but only 91 have had catheter evacuation: because of: not complete therapy (21 patients). Three patients died during i.p. therapy, Four times intraperitoneal catheter has spontaneously fold out. RESULTS: During insertion total number of complications reached (7.63%)--6 bowel incision, 1 bladder incision, 1 hernia of the linea alba, 1 incision of bowel and bladder. During catheter evacuation total number of complications was 9 (7.63%), 8 bowel incisions, 1 hernia of the linea alba. Complications connected with catheter function: only 10 patients required cessation of chemotherapy prior to its expected completion because of following reasons: 2 fistula of the catheter to vagina, 2 fistulas to bowel, in four cases intraperitoneal catheter has spontaneously fold out due to abscess (two after citostatics flow under the skin, and two without clear reason probably because of not proper fixation) one because of abscess in peritoneal cavity, and problems with citostatics inflow, one because of subileus. CONCLUSION: 1 Surgical complications occurring during IPC are not dangerous for patients. 2 IPC is valid and safety way of treatment ovarian cancer patients. 3 The frequency of complications occurring during insertion of Tenckhoff catheter depends on the way of placement. 4 We do not noticed connections between frequency of complications and sum of insertion made by the surgeon.

[Acute myocardial infarction during the second trimester of pregnancy]. / Zawal miesnia sercowego w drugim trymestrze ciazy.

UNLABELLED: Acute myocardial infarction during pregnancy is a very rare event. It occurs from 1 per 10,000 to 1 per 30,000 deliveries. Diagnosis of myocardial ischaemia is difficult because of typical complaints in pregnancy such as breathlessness and pain in chest. Its first recognisable symptom is very often loss of consciousness and cardiac death. We present the case of a 36-year-old woman with cardiac arrest in the second trimester of pregnancy. The defibrillation was applied four times with power ranging from 150 J to 200 J. Acute myocardial infarction was diagnosed on the basis of biochemical and electrocardiological examinations. Pharmacological treatment consisted of adrenalin, lidocaine, dopamine, heparin, insulin and cordarone. Uncomplicated pregnancy and delivery by caesarean section is described. A review of literature follows. CONCLUSION: Although myocardial infarction is a rare complication of pregnancy, it always should be taken in consideration, especially in case of multipara older than 32, suffered from hypercholesterolemia or diabetes, treated with beta-mimetics or ergot alkaloid.

[Vesicouterine fistula as a complication after previous cesarean section 18 years earlier]. / Przetoka pecherzowo-maciczna po przebytym przed 18 laty cieciu cesarskim.

A case of vesicouterine fistula diagnosed in 40-year old woman who underwent cesarean section 18 years earlier was presented. The clinical features, etiologic factors, diagnostic procedures and treatment modalities were discussed in relation to the case and others reported in the literature. The gift of contrast by catheter to bladder allowed to visualize the fistula.

[The evaluation how FIGO stage in cervical cancer depends on frequency of gynaecological control]. / Próba wyjasnienia zwiazku zaawansowania klinicznego raka szyjki macicy z dlugoletnim niezglaszaniem sie na kontrolne badanie ginekologiczne.

OBJECTIVES: The authors sought to evaluate how FIGO stage in cervical cancer depends on frequency of gynaecological control. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From March 2000 to January 2001, 74 patients with cervical cancer were treated in 2-nd Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Medical University of Gdansk. The authors analysed frequency of gynaecological control, although patients age, number of delivery, socio-economic status, living place. RESULTS: The median interval, from last gynaecological examination to cervical cancer diagnosis was 8.6 year (1-26), number of delivery: 0-0.5%, 1-10%, 2-21%, 3-21%, 10-1%, 67% patients lived in town and 32.4% in villages. CONCLUSION: Women from Gdansk area who developed cervical cancer were not gynaecological controlled from 1 to 26 year (median--8.6). Authors noticed that FIGO stage of ovarian cancer depends seriously on interval between last gynaecological control and cervical cancer diagnosis. The old, not working, and those who live in villages in Gdansk area have an especially low level of health education.

[Evaluation of surgical complications connected with intraperitoneal chemotherapy in ovarian cancer]. / Analiza powiklan chirurgicznych wystepujacych w przebiegu chemioterapii dootrzewnowej u chorych na raka jajnika.

OBJECTIVES: From a theoretical viewpoint, the use of intraperitoneal therapy (i.p.) in patients with ovarian cancer (a malignancy, which remains mainly confined to the peritoneal cavity) is logical. Intraperitoneal catheters have moved to the forefront as a delivery system in cancer treatment. Authors described complications during the placement, usage, and evacuation of Tenckhoff catheters. Some of them report much too high number of surgery complications connected with i.p. DESIGN: We report a number of complications connected with insertions, functions, and evacuations of Tenckhoffa catheter. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From January 1996 to January 2002, 92 patients with recurrent or persistent ovarian cancer, after surgery and first line chemotherapy, have had catheter insertion performed, but only 79 have had performed catheter evacuation: because of: not complete therapy (7 patients), three patients died during i.p. therapy, in three cases intraperitoneal catheter has spontaneously fold out. RESULTS: During insertion total number of complications 9(9.78%), 6 bowel incision, 1 bladder incision, 1 hernia of the linea alba, 1 incision of bowel and bladder. During catheter evacuation total number of complications 9 (11.39%), 8 bowel incisions 1 hernia of the linea alba. Complications connected with catheter function: only 8 of 92 (8.70%) required cessation of chemotherapy prior to its expected completion, 2 fistula of the catheter to vagina, 2 fistulas to bowel, in two cases intraperitoneal catheter has spontaneously fold out due to abscess, one after citostatics flow under the skin, one because of abscess in peritoneal cavity, and problems with citostatics inflow one because of subileus. CONCLUSION: The surgical complications occurring during IPC are not dangerous for patients. IPC is valid and safe way of treatment patients with ovarian cancer. The frequency of complications occurring during insertion of Tenckhoff catheter depends on the way of placement.