[Control of the response of ovarian cancers to cytostatic therapy and the value of the second-look operation].

The importance of a second-look operation (SLO) in 121 patients with ovarian carcinoma stages III and IV from 1979 to 1983 is forthwith discussed. This operation was carried out in 58% of the patients. If no tumor was suspected after chemotherapy (n = 33), this only applied in 19 cases after a SLO. Of the patients in partial remission the preoperative diagnosis was correct in 14 of 21 cases and in no change 4 of 9 cases. Clinically the progress was always diagnosed reliably. Additional removal of residual tumors was successful in 7 of 49 cases (14%). This is only possible in small quantities of residual tumor. An improvement in the prognosis did not occur. Predictions on the right time to carry out a SLO and the purpose of a secondary tumor resection cannot be made.