[Comparison of the results of preoperative studies with imaging procedures with the surgical status of ovarian cancer].

Optimal cytoreductive surgery of ovarian cancer is based on the preoperative diagnosis and assessment of tumour spread. Of 147 patients who underwent staging laparotomy at the Department of Gynaecology of the University of Tübingen, intraoperative staging was compared retrospectively with the results of sonography, computed tomography, double-contrast enema and urography. Ultrasound and computed tomography were comparable concerning accuracy of the diagnosis in 86 and 79% of the cases, respectively. Combined application of both methods resulted in an accuracy of 90%. Involvement of colon was diagnosed by double-contrast enema in only 41% of the cases in which enterotomy had to be performed. Involvement of bladder and ureter was observed in 80% of the cases by intravenous urography. According to our results abdominal ultrasound and urography should be performed in patients with palpable pelvic masses. The application of computed tomography as an additional method is indicated in patients with tumour classified as benign by sonographic examination. Double-contrast enema is of limited value in the diagnosis of colon involvement.