Advanced
Technical
IVT
second-look laparoscopy
A planned surgical re-exploration to assess treatment response and detect residual disease after primary therapy.
Full Definition
Second-look laparoscopy is a planned minimally invasive surgical procedure performed after completion of primary treatment, typically chemotherapy, to evaluate treatment response and identify any residual or recurrent disease. This procedure involves systematic inspection of the peritoneal cavity, obtaining tissue samples from suspicious areas, and performing peritoneal washings. While historically more common, its routine use has declined due to lack of proven survival benefit, though it may still be considered in selected cases or research protocols.
Usage
Usage note: Hyphenate when used as a compound modifier.
In Context
- "The patient underwent second-look laparoscopy six months after completing chemotherapy." — operative report
- "Second-look procedures are not routinely recommended outside of clinical trial protocols." — treatment guideline
Also known as
second-look surgery
Contrasted with
primary surgery
Don't confuse with
interval debulking surgery
secondary cytoreduction