• Vol. 39 No. 1, 54–57
  • 15 January 2010

Peritoneal-based Malignancies and Their Treatment

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) usually have dismal prognoses, even with traditional systemic therapy. Peritonectomy or cytoreductive surgery (CRS) has been used to treat selected patients. It is also commonly used in the management of pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP), often in combination with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC).

Methods and Results: In the present review article, the indications for CRS and HIPEC are examined, along with its technical aspects, resulting morbidity and mortality. Patients with documented peritoneal carcinomatosis from colorectal and ovarian cancer or PMP, absence of extra-abdominal metastases and liver parenchymal metastases and with an ECOG performance status of <2 should be considered for CRS and HIPEC.

Conclusion: It is important to recognise the role of and indications for CRS and HIPEC. Biologic factors of the disease and completeness of resection are important prognostic factors. Cytoreductive surgery, combined with intraperitoneal chemotherapy, can improve survival in selected patients with peritoneal-based malignancies.


Peritonectomy or cytoreductive surgery has been described as the treatment of choice for selected patients with evidence of peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) from the gastrointestinal tract, peritoneum, ovaries and the disease of pseudomyxoma peritonei. Median survivals in a carefully selected patient population have been shown to exceed that of systemic chemotherapy or conservative management in patients with PC, who traditionally run a palliative course with a median survival of about 6 months.

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