John T. Comerci, MD, associate professor, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, and director of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Passavant Hospital, discusses the use of laparoscopy in ovarian cancer.

Laparoscopy is generally used in the majority of patients who have a significant disease burden on a CT scan, says Comerci. However, if the CT scan reveals a large pelvic mass and omental cake without small bowel mesenteric involvement or diaphragmatic involvement, laparoscopic examination may not be necessary.

One of the advantages of laparoscopy, unlike surgical debulking, is that the procedure does not leave patients with a big incision, says Comerci. Additionally, patients do not have prolonged recovery times in the hospital and can start chemotherapy much more quickly, concludes Comerci.

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Dr. Comerci on the Use of Laparoscopy in Ovarian Cancer

John T. Comerci, MD, associate professor, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, and director of Gynecologic Oncology, UPMC Passavant Hospital, discusses the utility of primary debulking surgery in ovarian cancer.

In the last decade, the field has developed a greater understanding of which patients should receive upfront debulking surgery versus neoadjuvant chemotherapy, says Comerci. Elderly patients are not typically eligible for primary debulking surgery due to their age, performance status, and comorbidities, says Comerci.

Physical activity may influence surgical eligibility, says Comerci. For example, an 80-year-old patient who is physically active may be able to tolerate the stress of surgery.

Additionally, laparoscopic imaging has made it easier to determine primary debulking surgical eligibility, concludes Comerc

John T. Comerci, MD, discusses the utility of primary debulking surgery in ovarian cancer.

John T. Comerci, MD

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Dr. Comerci on the Use of Laparoscopy in Ovarian Cancer

Dr. Comerci on the Utility of Primary Debulking Surgery in Ovarian Cancer