Our Summary

This research paper is about surgical treatment for advanced-stage ovarian cancer. The main aim of the surgery, called cytoreduction, is to remove as much of the cancer as possible, even if it has spread to other organs like the bowel.

The researchers looked at 33 ovarian cancer patients who had this surgery, and especially at those who had part of their bowel removed. They found that in all patients, the leftover cancer after surgery was less than 1.0 cm. Most patients had no visible leftover cancer, but some had a small amount left.

A key finding was that patients who had any visible cancer left after the initial surgery were more likely to have the cancer come back. In addition, patients whose bowel tumors were bigger before surgery were also more likely to have a recurrence.

The researchers concluded that this kind of surgery, which includes bowel resection, can be effective for advanced ovarian cancer. Though there can be complications from bowel surgery, they are considered acceptable given the potential benefits. The size of the bowel tumor before surgery could also give clues about the likelihood of the cancer returning.

FAQs

  1. What is the main purpose of cytoreduction surgery in advanced-stage ovarian cancer patients?
  2. What was the key finding about the likelihood of cancer recurrence in patients who had undergone bowel resection?
  3. How effective is bowel resection as a part of surgical treatment for advanced ovarian cancer, according to the researchers’ conclusions?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about bowel resection is to follow a healthy diet and stay hydrated to promote bowel health and healing after surgery. It’s important to eat plenty of fiber-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, to prevent constipation and promote regular bowel movements. Additionally, staying well-hydrated can help prevent complications and promote overall healing. It’s also important to follow any specific dietary guidelines provided by your healthcare team to support your recovery after bowel resection surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended bowel resection for advanced-stage ovarian cancer are those who have visible cancer left after initial surgery, as well as those with larger bowel tumors before surgery. These patients may benefit from cytoreduction surgery to remove as much cancer as possible, even if it has spread to the bowel. The potential benefits of this surgery outweigh the potential complications, making it a viable treatment option for these patients.

Timeline

Before Bowel Resection:

  • Patient is diagnosed with advanced-stage ovarian cancer
  • Patient undergoes pre-operative evaluations and tests to determine if they are a candidate for cytoreduction surgery
  • Surgery is scheduled and patient undergoes bowel preparation to clear the colon
  • Patient undergoes cytoreduction surgery, which may involve removal of part of the bowel if the cancer has spread to that area

After Bowel Resection:

  • Patient is closely monitored for complications from the surgery, such as infection or bowel obstruction
  • Patient may require a temporary colostomy or ileostomy to allow the bowel to heal
  • Patient undergoes post-operative follow-up appointments and imaging studies to monitor for recurrence of cancer
  • Patient may undergo chemotherapy or other treatments to prevent or treat any remaining cancer cells
  • Patient continues to be monitored for long-term side effects of the surgery and potential recurrence of cancer.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. How necessary is a bowel resection for my specific case of advanced ovarian cancer?

  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with bowel resection surgery?

  3. What is the expected recovery time and what can I expect during the post-operative period?

  4. Will I need to make any changes to my diet or lifestyle after bowel resection surgery?

  5. What are the chances of the cancer recurring after bowel resection surgery?

  6. Are there any alternative treatments or surgical options that do not involve bowel resection?

  7. Will I need additional treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, after bowel resection surgery?

  8. How experienced are you in performing bowel resection surgery for advanced ovarian cancer?

  9. What is the success rate of bowel resection surgery for advanced ovarian cancer in terms of long-term survival?

  10. Are there any clinical trials or research studies that I may be eligible for related to advanced ovarian cancer treatment options, including bowel resection surgery?

Reference

Authors: Derlatka P, Sienko J, Grabowska-Derlatka L, Palczewski P, Danska-Bidzinska A, Bidzinski M, Czajkowski K. Journal: World J Surg Oncol. 2016 Feb 29;14:58. doi: 10.1186/s12957-016-0800-1. PMID: 26923029