multicentric propensity-score matched analysis of surgical and oncologic outcomes in 647 patients
New Study Reveals No Significant Difference in Outcomes Between Laparoscopic and Open Surgery for Advanced Ovarian Cancer
A multicenter, propensity-score matched analysis of 647 patients with advanced ovarian cancer has found no statistically significant difference in surgical or oncologic outcomes between those undergoing laparoscopic and open surgical approaches. The findings, published recently, challenge existing perceptions and could influence surgical decision-making for this patient population.
Historically, open surgery has been the standard approach for treating advanced ovarian cancer, but laparoscopic surgery has gained traction due to its potential for faster recovery and reduced complications. Though, concerns have remained regarding whether laparoscopic surgery compromises oncologic outcomes. This study, utilizing data from six high-volume centers, aimed to address this critical question by rigorously comparing outcomes between the two approaches, accounting for patient characteristics that might influence results. Researchers utilized a propensity-score matching technique to create comparable groups of patients undergoing each type of surgery,minimizing bias. The analysis included assessments of surgical complications, progression-free survival, and overall survival.
The study matched 323 patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery with 324 patients who underwent open surgery.Researchers found no significant differences in 30-day surgical complications, progression-free survival (median 33.4 months for laparoscopic vs. 32.2 months for open; hazard ratio [HR] 0.96, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.77-1.19; P* = .72), or overall survival (median 64.8 months for laparoscopic vs. 61.8 months for open; HR 0.94,95% CI 0.76-1.16; *P = .64). These results suggest that, when appropriately selected and performed by experienced surgeons, laparoscopic surgery may offer comparable oncologic outcomes to open surgery for patients with advanced ovarian cancer.
“These findings support the consideration of laparoscopic surgery as a viable option for appropriately selected patients with advanced ovarian cancer,” stated the study authors. “Further research is needed to identify factors that predict optimal outcomes with each approach and to refine surgical techniques to maximize the benefits of minimally invasive surgery.” The study identifier is: https://hdl.handle.net/11577/3564644.