Laparoscopic staging of intraabdominal malignancy

• Published in: Surgical endoscopy Vol. 9; no. 3; p. 325
• Main Authors: Hemming, A W, Nagy, A G, Scudamore, C H, Edelmann, K
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Germany 01.03.1995
• Subjects: Abdominal Neoplasms - pathology; Aged; Digestive System - pathology; Digestive System Neoplasms - pathology; Female; Humans; Laparoscopy - methods; Laparoscopy - statistics & numerical data; Laparotomy; Liver - pathology; Liver Neoplasms - pathology; Male; Neoplasm Staging; Preoperative Care
• ISSN: 0930-2794
• DOI: 10.1007/BF00187778

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.