Laparoscopic Resection Right Diaphragm

Javier F. Magrina, MD, FACS

Product Details
Product ID: ACS-2448
Year Produced: 2005
Length: 8 min.


A 67 year old white female experienced recurrence of her ovarian cancer after initial debulking and chemotherapy as detected by increased CA-125 and positive CAT scan. Two recurrence sites were noted: right diaphragm and right pararectal area. A laparoscopic approach was selected to determine the feasibility of the procedure based on the absence of dense adhesions, multiple metastatic sites, and the possibility of complete tumor resection. At surgery, adhesions could be lysed, only two recurrent tumor sites were noted, as identified by CAT scan, and were completely resected laparoscopically. Postoperatively, patient developed a right pleural effusion which required pleurocenthesis. Chemotherapy was then administered. Unfortunately, she had tumor progression within six months of completing chemotherapy at other abdominal sites.