The influence of platelet counts on the postoperative outcome of patients with advanced stage ovarian cancer

Abstract

Introduction: Ovarian cancer represents one of the most aggressive gynecological malignancies which is associated with poor rates of survival especially if surgery with curative intent is not feasible. Aim: The current paper analyzes the correlation ship between the preoperative number of platelets and the perioperative outcomes of patients submitted to primary cytoreduction for ovarian cancer. Material and methods: between 2016-2018, 34 patients with advanced stage ovarian cancer were submitted to surgery; among these patients there were 21 cases with a preoperative platelet number lower than 450.000/microliter and 13 cases with higher than 450.000/microliter values. Results: higher serum levels of platelets were significantly associated with more advanced stages at the time of the diagnostic, higher tumoral burden (defined as a peritoneal cancer index higher than 20) and lower rates of complete debulking surgery. Meanwhile, these patients reported a significantly higher rate of postoperative complications. Conclusions: patients presenting a platelet number higher than 450.000/microliter are associated with worse perioperative outcomes after debulking surgery for advanced stage ovarian cancer.