Laparoscopy and peritoneal cytology: Important prognostic tools to guide treatment selection in gastric adenocarcinoma

Abstract

Previous studies have suggested that patients with occult peritoneal metastases not seen on preoperative imaging have poor prognosis. In this study, we aim to evaluate the utility and impact of staging laparoscopy and peritoneal cytology in patients with gastric adenocarcinoma. Methods: A retrospective analysis of patients with gastric adenocarcinoma managed at two major metropolitan hospitals in Melbourne, Australia, between January 1999 and July 2010 was undertaken. The main outcome measures were the number of patients in whom laparoscopy and/or peritoneal cytology changed treatment intent, and the overall survival of patients with occult metastases detected by laparoscopy/cytology. Result..