The Western Australian Experience of the Use of en Bloc Resection of Ovarian Cancer with Concomitant Rectosigmoid Colectomy

Objectives. The aim of this study was to assess the technique of en bloc resection of ovarian cancer with concomitant rectosigmoid colectomy, in relation to perioperative complication rates, and its impact on survival following the procedure. Methods. A retrospective review was performed of the case notes of 129 consecutive procedures performed between 1989 and 2000 in a regional cancer center. Results. Overall, 48.8% of patients suffered a major or minor complication. Complications relating to bowel anastomosis occurred in 2.4%. Perioperative mortality was 3.1%. Median survival for the group as a whole was 30.6 months. Patients who were optimally debulked had a significantly longer median survival time. Conclusion. En bloc resection of ovarian cancer with concomitant rectosigmoid colectomy allows a high rate of optimal debulking with acceptable morbidity, mortality, and survival.