Total colectomy in primary ovarian cytoreduction.

OBJECTIVE

To review the indications, procedure, and complications associated with total colectomy with ileorectal anastamosis in women undergoing primary debulking of ovarian cancer.

METHODS

Charts were reviewed to determine all patients undergoing total colectomy with ileorectal anastamosis during primary debulking of ovarian, peritoneal, or fallopian tube cancer. Charts were also reviewed for perioperative morbidity and mortality, as well as rates of fecal incontinence.

RESULTS

Nine patients underwent the above procedures during primary debulking of ovarian cancer. The mean age was 61 years with a mean BMI of 31 kg/m2. The average postoperative hospital stay was 11 days with an average estimated blood loss of 700 ml. There was no perioperative mortality. Although all patients had greatly increased frequency of stools, no patients had incontinence of stool after eight weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

Radical surgery, including total colectomy, can be performed in select patients with primary ovarian cancer. Acceptable morbidity, mortality, and rectal continence can be obtained.