Influence of department volume on survival for ovarian cancer: results from a prospective quality assurance program of the Austrian Association for Gynecologic Oncology.

Objective: The Austrian Association for Gynecologic Oncology initiated in 1998 a prospective quality assurance program for patients with ovarian cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate factors predicting overall survival especially under consideration of department volume.

Methods: All Austrian gynecological departments were invited to participate in the quality assurance program.

Laparoscopy in the treatment of ovarian tumours of low malignant potential.

Laparoscopy is increasingly used by gynaecologists for the investigation of adnexal masses. Uncertainty exists whether ovarian tumours of low malignant potential can effectively be treated by laparoscopy, whether staging bears a benefit for all patients, whether port-site metastases are a problem and how long patients need to be followed up after surgery. This review summarises the evidence to address these important questions.