Ovarian carcinoma follow-up: US versus laparotomy

Ultrasound (US) was compared with surgical findings in 98 patients with carcinoma of the ovary undergoing follow-up laparotomy after chemotherapy. US had an overall accuracy of 94% in the pelvis, with only small and sheetlike lesions escaping detection. It was more sensitive than clinical examination. Overall accuracy for the liver was 91% with very few false-positive results. For the peritoneal cavity in general, however, accuracy was low, with even large masses escaping detection. Ascites is reliably detected (accuracy of 97%) but is a poor indicator of peritoneal involvement. US is a useful noninvasive complement to laparoscopy in the follow-up of patients with carcinoma of the ovary.