Laparoscopic staging of intraabdominal malignancy

✍ Scribed by A. W. Hemming; A. G. Nagy; C. H. Scudamore; K. Edelmann

• Book ID: 104655999
• Publisher: Springer
• Year: 1995
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 326 KB
• Volume: 9
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0930-2794
• DOI: 10.1007/bf00187778

✦ Synopsis

Laparoscopic visualization techniques have improved dramatically over the last 5 years and have led to reassessment of the laparoscope for use in the staging of intraabdominal malignancy. One hundred sixty-two consecutive cases undergoing preoperative staging laparoscopy from January 1988 to December 1993 were reviewed in order to determine the value of laparoscopy as a staging tool. Indications for staging laparoscopy were predominantly hepatopancreaticobiliary (85%); however, other primaries such as stomach and colon were included. In 36% of cases information found at laparoscopy precluded resection and prevented unnecessary laparotomy. Additional information that was felt to be helpful in planning resection was found in 30% of cases. In 12% of cases unresectability was found only at the time of laparotomy and was missed by staging laparoscopy. We conclude that laparoscopy is a useful preoperative staging tool and can help avoid unnecessary laparotomy for intraabdominal malignancy in one-third of patients.