Gastrointestinal surgery in patients with ovarian cancer

OBJECTIVES: The objectives were to assess indications as well as outcome and morbidity of gastrointestinal surgery in patients with ovarian cancer. METHODS: The study included 74 patients with primary ovarian cancer who had debulking surgery (bowel surgery) from 1987 to 2001. RESULTS: In our group postoperative residual tumor was--R0 in 15 cases (20.3%) and < or = 2 cm (R2) in 33 patients (44.6%). CONCLUSION: Gastrointestinal surgery is frequently indicated during operation in ovarian cancer. Gynecologic cancer surgeons should be trained accordingly.