Long-term prognostic value of positive peritoneal washing in colon cancer.

Background: We examined the potential prognostic value of free malignant cells in the peritoneal cavity of patients with colon adenocarcinoma.

Methods: In 1991 and 1992, 88 patients underwent peritoneal washing with cytologic analysis immediately before elective colon resection for adenocarcinoma with no evidence of peritoneal metastases. Peritoneal washing fluid was collected before abdominal exploration, centrifuged immediately, and stained with the May-Grünwald-Giemsa and Harris Shorr methods.