Can computed tomography substitute for second-look operation in ovarian carcinoma?

The increasing use of computerized tomography as a noninvasive means of evaluating pelvic and abdominal malignancy was investigated as an adjunct to a second-look operation in patients with ovarian carcinoma. In order to fully evaluate the abdominal and pelvic contents enhanced CT examinations were done in 18 patients. There were 3 "true positives" and 12 "true negatives." The 3 "false negative" CT scans demonstrated multiple small implants at operation. It appears that the use of the CT scan in evaluating ovarian carincoma is restricted because of the diffuse nature and small implants associated with ovarian cancer. The absence of disease by CT scan evaluation was not an adequate reason to defer the second-look operation.