Background: Peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) is fatal without special combined cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and intraperitoneal chemotherapy (IPC). This study was designed to identify factors that may increase the risk of postoperative morbidity and mortality from combined CRS and IPC interventions for PC. Survival based on primary tumour type and extent of surgery is reported.
Methods: Between May 1991 and November 2004, 123 patients were treated with CRS and IPC for PC. Based on the National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria for grade 3 and 4, data on 30 days postoperative morbidity and 90 days mortality were analysed.
Results: Grade 3-4 adverse events were observed in 51 patients (41%) and were associated with stoma formation, duration of surgery, peroperative blood loss and peritoneal cancer index (PCI). Excision, or electrocautery evaporation, of tumour from small bowel surface was correlated to bowel morbidity. Five patients had treatment-related mortality (4%) within 90 days. Survival was associated with macroscopic radical surgery, prior surgical score, PCI and primary tumour type.
Conclusions: CRS and IPC for PC are associated with high morbidity and mortality. However, in light of the potential benefit indicated by long-term survival, the adverse event from this treatment is considered acceptable.