Laparoscopic cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy: a prospective clinical trial and comparative analysis

Abstract

Background: Open cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is associated with high morbidity, which limits the degree to which patients may benefit from this therapy. This study aimed to determine the feasibility of laparoscopic CRS/HIPEC. Methods: This was a single institution prospective clinical trial and comparative study using historical controls. Patients with histologically confirmed peritoneal surface malignancy (PSM) of appendiceal, colorectal, ovarian, or primary peritoneal origin, peritoneal carcinomatosis index (PCI) ≤ 10 were eligible. Results: Clinical trial: 18 patients (median age 57 years, 39% female) with appendiceal (15) or colorectal (3) primary PSM underwent laparoscopic CRS/HIPEC. Median and range outcomes were: operative time 219 min (134–378), EBL 10 mL (0–100), time to return to bowel function 3 days (1–7), duration IV narcotic use 3 days (1–8), length of stay 6 days (3–11). All patients had a complete cytoreduction (CC-score 0). Three (17%) experienced minor morbidity, with no major morbidity or mortality. Median DFS and OS were not reached with median follow-up of 48 months. Comparative analysis: Laparoscopic approach associated with reduced time to return of bowel function (3 versus 4 days, p = 0.001), length of stay (8 versus 5 days, p < 0.001), and morbidity (16% versus 42%, p = 0.008). Independent predictors of DFS included prior chemotherapy (HR 5.07, 95% CI 1.85, 13.89; p = 0.002), and CC-score > 0 (HR 3.31, 95% CI 1.19, 9.41; p = 0.025), but not surgical approach. CC-score > 0 was the only independent predictor of OS (HR 10.12, 95% CI 2.16, 47.30, p = 0.003). Conclusions and relevance: Laparoscopic CRS/HIPEC should be considered for patients with PSM with low-volume disease, including those with adenocarcinoma histology. Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov; NCT02463877.