Palliative Surgery for Pseudomyxoma Peritonei

Abstract

Introduction: Pseudomyxoma peritonei is a rare disease causing peritoneal carcinomatosis. In patients with extensive carcinomatosis, curative treatment is unachievable. Palliative debulking therapy is the only treatment in relieving symptoms. We report our results from palliative debulking surgery at a national pseudomyxoma peritonei center in Denmark. Methods: From January 2007 to October 2012, we performed 27 palliative operations for pseudomyxoma peritonei with debulking at our institution. All patients were evaluated and found eligible for palliative treatment only. Patients were prospectively registered, while perioperative data were collected retrospectively from patient records. Results: The majority of patients ( n = 25) received an omentectomy (93%) as the primary procedure. In total, 17 (63%) received additional surgery. Median operative time was 88 min (range: 33–160 min). Median stay at the recovery ward was 6 h (2–288 h). Median hospital stay was 8 days (4–105 days). In all, 23 (85%) patients had no in-hospital complications, whereas 4 patients experienced complications (15%). Two of the complications were mild (Clavien-Dindo grade II), and two experienced severe complications (grade III and IV). Thirty-day mortality was 0%. Median survival was 3.0 years (0.2–6.2 years). Conclusion: Palliative debulking is a safe procedure with an acceptable morbidity and mortality offering immediate disease control.