peritoneal washing
Pronunciation: pair-ih-toh-NEE-al WASH-ing
A surgical procedure involving irrigation of the peritoneal cavity to detect microscopic cancer cells.
Full Definition
Peritoneal washing is an intraoperative cytological assessment technique performed during gastrointestinal cancer surgery to detect free malignant cells in the peritoneal cavity. The procedure involves instillation of normal saline into the peritoneal cavity, gentle agitation, and subsequent aspiration for cytological analysis. Positive peritoneal cytology indicates microscopic peritoneal dissemination and typically upstages the patient to M1 disease, significantly impacting prognosis and treatment decisions. This technique is particularly important in gastric, pancreatic, and colorectal cancers where peritoneal seeding represents a common pattern of failure. The results influence decisions regarding adjuvant therapy and may identify patients who benefit from intraperitoneal chemotherapy.
Usage
Usage note: Use as two words: 'peritoneal washing.' Distinguish from diagnostic peritoneal lavage used in trauma.
In Context
- "Intraoperative peritoneal washing revealed positive cytology for adenocarcinoma cells, upstaging the patient to M1 disease." — Operative report
- "Peritoneal washing was negative for malignant cells, supporting the feasibility of curative resection." — Pathology consultation