Gliomatosis peritonei: the value of a "second look" operation.

The case history of a 10-year-old black girl with gliomatosis peritonei, Grade 0, is presented. The primary tumour was resected and a "second look" operation carried out 3 months later. The glial implants demonstrated distinct circumferential and intra glial fibrosis (resolution). Because the peritoneal implants had undergone resolution, further therapy became unnecessary. We believe gliomatosis peritonei fully justifies a second laparotomy in order to be able to accurately grade the implants. The grade of the peritoneal implants influences the prognosis and therefore determines the type of therapy to be instituted.