Prognostic influence of delays between exploratory and definitive laparotomy in the treatment of malignant ovarian tumors.

Background: The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate whether a delay between a preliminary exploratory laparotomy and a definitive staging laparotomy and interval chemotherapy between the two operations affected the prognosis of ovarian cancer.

Methods: Of 504 patients with malignant tumors of the ovary who were treated at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology between 1980 and 1993, there were 24 who had a delayed definitive staging laparotomy.

Results: Sixteen patients did not have chemotherapy between their two operations.