Wedge liver resection as part of cytoreductive surgery in advanced ovarian cancer – a safe and feasible procedure for a gynecologic oncologist

Objective: In this study, we aimed to determine the learning curve for liver wedge resection performed as part of cytoreductive surgery in advanced ovarian malignant tumors. Materials and methods: This was a retrospective analysis of 120 women diagnosed with stage IIIC ovarian cancer according to the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) classification: 22 underwent liver wedge resection as part of cytoreductive surgery (Group A), while 98 did not require liver surgery (Group B). In the study, the t-Student test was used for variables with normal distribution and the Mann−Whitney U test was utilized for increment and abnormally distributed variables. The variables categorized were shown as a number of cases (n) and a percentage (%), and compared using the chi-square test, with a p-value <0.05 considered significant. A cumulative sum control chart (CUSUM) method was used to investigate the learning curves in both groups and the entire cohort. Results: There were no significant differences in the operating time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative hospitalization or minor and severe adverse effects between the Groups A and B. The operative time, total blood loss, and incidence of adverse effects showed a similar learning curve for Group B and the entire cohort. Conclusion: It is safe and feasible for gynecologic oncologists to perform wedge liver resections as part of cytoreductive surgery in women with advanced ovarian tumors.