Operability and early outcome in 100 consecutive laparotomies for peritoneal malignancy

BACKGROUND: Peritoneal malignancy is common at the terminal stages of many intra-abdominal neoplasms. In selected patients a novel approach of complete macroscopic tumour removal by extensive surgical cytoreduction, combined with intraperitoneal chemotherapy, provides a possibility of cure. Initial experience with 100 consecutive laparotomies is reported. METHODS: Between 1994 and 2002, 218 patients with peritoneal malignancy were referred to a specialized unit. One hundred underwent laparotomy, of whom 85 had a primary appendiceal tumour. Treatment aims were complete macroscopic tumour excision combined with intraoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy. RESULTS: Sixty-five patients had complete macroscopic tumour excision, 28 palliative major cytoreduction and seven were inoperable. The overall mortality rate was 8 per cent. The most common complications were pulmonary (25 per cent) and wound (14 per cent) infection. At a median follow-up of 30 (range 3-113) months, 44 of 51 patients with primary appendiceal tumours who had complete macroscopic cytoreduction were alive and 36 were disease free. CONCLUSION: Cytoreduction combined with intraperitoneal chemotherapy is an emerging technique with promising results in selected patients with peritoneal malignancy.