Out-Patient Peritoneal Lavage Cytology In the Detection of Residual Epithelial Ovarian Cancer

Peritoneal lavage fluid cytology was performed in 87 out-patients with histologically proven epithelial ovarian cancer undergoing primary management. A total of 246 peritoneal lavages were attempted, usually with temporary cannulae (n = 229). From these, 184 samples were obtained, of which 156 (85%) were suitable for cytological analysis. The sensitivity of peritoneal lavage fluid cytology in 67 patients with known residual disease was 57% whereas serum CA 125 levels were elevated in 58 (87%). Pre- and post-treatment peritoneal lavage fluid cytology had prognostic value, but this was less than that of serum CA 125 measurements.