The aim of this study was to describe the feasibility, associated morbidity, and efficacy of radical oophorectomy with primary stapled colorectal anastomosis among patients with locally advanced ovarian cancer with contiguous extension to or encasement of the reproductive organs, pelvic peritoneum, cul-de-sac, and sigmoid colon.

Thirty-one consecutive patients undergoing radical oophorectomy as part of an initial maximal surgical effort for International Federation of Obstetrics and Gynecology (FIGO) stage IIIB–IV ovarian cancer were prospectively collected from October 1, 1997 through November 30, 2001. The surgical technique, associated morbidity, and clinical outcomes are described.

The median age was 63 years. All patients had advanced-stage epithelial ovarian cancer: FIGO stage IIIB (6.5%), stage IIIC (64.5%), stage IV (29.0%). Median operating time was 240 minutes (range 165 to 330 minutes), and the median estimated blood loss was 700 mL (range 300 to 2,900 mL). All patients underwent en bloc rectosigmoid colectomy with primary stapled anastomosis without protective intestinal diversion. There was one (3.2%) anastomotic breakdown requiring reoperation and colostomy. Complete clearance of macroscopic pelvic disease was achieved in all cases. Overall, 87.1% of patients were left with optimal (≤1 cm) residual disease and 61.3% were visibly disease free. There were no postoperative deaths, but major and minor postoperative morbidity occurred in 12.9% and 35.5% of patients, respectively. Blood product transfusion was required in 29.0% of cases. Thirty patients received multiagent platinum-based chemotherapy, with a median overall survival time of 39.5 months.

Radical oophorectomy with primary stapled anastomosis is an effective technique for resection of locally advanced ovarian cancer and contributes significantly to a maximal cytoreductive surgical effort. The associated morbidity is acceptable, and protective intestinal diversion appears unnecessary.