OBJECTIVE: This study aims to identify favorable preoperative characteristics and examine the impact of secondary cytoreductive surgery on survival for patients with recurrent epithelial ovarian carcinoma.

METHODS: Patients who underwent cytoreductive surgery for recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer were identified in our surgical database for the period 1988-2004. Patient charts were reviewed and data collected regarding patient demographics, surgical management, preoperative evaluation, perioperative complications, and oncologic outcome.

RESULTS: Eighty-five patients met eligibility criteria. Preoperative factors that correlated with improved survival were disease-free interval of greater than 12 months (por=1 cm (p

CONCLUSION: When selecting patients for secondary cytoreduction, the most significant preoperative factors are disease-free interval and success of a prior cytoreductive effort. Once secondary cytoreductive surgery is attempted, the most important factor for improved survival is optimal cytoreduction. Of equal importance is counseling regarding the significant risk for bowel surgery, colostomy, and complications.