Relevance of laparoscopic surgery for ovarian cancer in well-selected patients: A propensity-matched comparison with laparotomy

Abstract

Background/Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the relevance of laparoscopy in comparison with laparotomy in the management of ovarian cancer in well-selected patients. Patients and Methods: Data of consecutive ovarian cancer patients treated by laparoscopy were matched 1:1 to a cohort of patients operated by laparotomy using a propensity score matching. The inclusion criteria included patients who underwent a complete staging procedure in the early stages and optimal upfront or interval debulking surgery for advanced ovarian cancer. Results: In total, 153 patients were included. Propensity score matching led to the analysis of 41 well-balanced pairs of patients. For a median follow-up of 34.0 [19.0-64.0] months and 38.0 [24.5-75.0] months, respectively, no difference was found between the two groups in regards to overall survival (p=0.28) and disease-free survival (p=0.89). Conclusion: In well-selected patients, laparoscopic surgery may be a safe and effective alternative to laparotomy.