Computed tomography, primary laparotomy and 'second-look' operation for ovarian carcinoma

The value of computed tomography for staging and for observing the course of ovarian carcinomas was analysed in 56 patients in whom the diagnosis has been verified by laparotomy. CT achieved correct staging in 85% of cases. The ability of CT to demonstrate a variety of abnormalities varies; ascites and pleural effusions were shown in 100%, lymph node metastases in 90%, infiltration of the recto-sigmoid and terminal ileum in 70-80%, subcapsular liver metastases in 70%, involvement of the omentum in 70%, of the peritoneum in 65% and of the mesentery in 35%. A ''second-look'' operation remains necessary in order to confirm complete remission after chemotherapy, since CT is only rarely able to show residual tumours smaller than 1.5-2 cm. (orig.)