Bowel obstruction in ovarian carcinoma: a retrospective study and review of the literature

Abstract

The incidence and management of bowel obstruction in a series of 105 patients with ovarian adenocarcinoma presenting to this unit were studied retrospectively. Forty-three of these patients developed bowel obstruction during the course of their illness. Patients with more advanced disease at presentation developed obstruction more rapidly. Small bowel obstruction was more common than large bowel obstruction. Surgical intervention at the time of obstruction appeared to produce more favourable responses and longer survival times. Patients treated surgically were less likely to reobstruct. No patient showed any response to chemotherapy given following resolution of the obstruction. Early surgical intervention should be considered in the management of patients with bowel obstruction secondary to ovarian adenocarcinoma.